Overview

• The world No. 2 beat Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium to open his campaign.
• Alcaraz was clinical on serve, winning 50 of 58 first‑serve points, saving all three break points, and committing 17 unforced errors.
• He improved to 19-0 in opening matches at Grand Slams and will face Italian Mattia Bellucci next.
• During his on-court interview he polled the crowd about the haircut to loud approval and marked the win with a golf‑swing celebration for Rory McIlroy.
• Reactions to the look varied, with Frances Tiafoe calling it “terrible,” John McEnroe joking on air about its simplicity, and McIlroy offering a thumbs‑up.