Overview

• The No. 2 seed beat Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium without facing a break point, striking 32 winners and breaking serve seven times.
• Alcaraz explained he shaved his head after a home haircut mistake by his brother, saying the clippers were misused and a full buzz was the only fix.
• Reactions to the look varied, with Frances Tiafoe calling it terrible while Jannik Sinner and Emma Raducanu said it suits Alcaraz.
• After the swift win, Alcaraz jokingly apologized to the crowd for the short match, saying he had to do his job.
• Reporting also noted a lighthearted practice session with Martin Damm Jr., interpreted by some fans as playful payback toward Tiafoe following the haircut jibes.