Overview

• Carlos Alcaraz arrived for his first-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium with his head shaved, a change from his usual look just a week earlier in mixed doubles.
• The US Open’s social channels highlighted the new style, which quickly went viral and drew comparisons to David Beckham’s 2000 buzz cut.
• Frances Tiafoe joked that the haircut was “horrible” and “terrible,” adding a lighthearted quip that Alcaraz might now be more aerodynamic.
• Rory McIlroy greeted Alcaraz at the venue and playfully rubbed the tennis star’s newly shaved head.
• Some outlets reported that the buzz cut may have resulted from a botched attempt to fix his hair by a family member, a claim that has not been confirmed.