Carlos Alcaraz unveiled a striking new hairstyle before giving towering Reilly Opelka the chop at the US Open.
The 22-year-old arrived on Arthur Ashe Stadium sporting a severe military-style crew cut for his night match with the American.
While Alcaraz’s new look failed to impress some — close friend and fellow player Frances Tiafoe called it “terrible” — it did not distract the streamlined Spaniard from the task at hand as he motored to a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 first-round victory over the 6ft 11in Opelka.
Alcaraz could not hide his delight with his performance against his big-serving opponent.
“Today was a really difficult one. Reilly is a great, tough player. I couldn’t get the rhythm that I wanted to get but I’m just really happy with what I did today. I did a great performance today,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz revealed that his new haircut had arisen from a botched attempt at a trim by his brother.
“My brother just misunderstood the machine. He just cut it. Then, you know, the only way to fix it is just shave it off. To be honest, it’s not that bad, I guess.
