Before rolling over Reilly Opelka in three straight sets, Carlos Alcaraz revealed a new military-style crew cut on Monday night at the US Open. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who won his first US Open title at Flushing Meadows in 2022, wrapped up a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 triumph on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz did not intend to do the haircut but still he has to accept the consequences of the botched trim which was done by his brother. “He was confused with the machine,” Alcaraz smiled. “The only way to fix the mistake was to shave it off. Some people like it some don’t, and I’m just cracking up at the reactions.”
He was not bothered by the hairdo, on the court with no distractions. Alcaraz got the break in the first game of the opening set, and comfortably, he wrapped it up.
The second set was more competitive, but the Spaniard grabbed the opportunity in the 11th game, breaking, and then serving at 6-5 to take the lead. The last set was very much the same, with Alcaraz taking the break at the end and thus securing the victory with his typical forehand winner.
Alcaraz added, “Reilly is definitely a tough opponent, but on my part, I did a really good job. It wasn’t an easy match by any means.”
Next, the world No. 2 will play against Mattia Bellucci of Italy in the second round.
