Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz made headlines both for his performance and appearance as he opened his US Open 2025 campaign with a straight-sets victory over American Reilly Opelka. Sporting a sharp buzz cut that made his slightly resemble football great David Bekham, Alcaraz powered through his first-round match, defeating the big-serving American 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 at Flushing Meadows.

? Carlos Alcaraz’s new haircut for the 2025 US Open pic.twitter.com/uREVHkCdlc

The five-time Grand Slam champion’s dramatic haircut has sparked a wave of reactions, with many on social media struggling to recognise the 22-year-old. The change in appearance has not only caught fans off guard but also surprised fellow players. A now-viral video from the US Open dressing room shows Frances Tiafoe reacting with visible shock upon seeing Alcaraz’s new look. The American’s exaggerated expression quickly became a hit online.