Carlos Alcaraz was almost unrecognizable when he stepped on the court against Reilly Opelka for his first-round match the US Open. His usual bushy, mop haircut was replaced by an unexpected buzz cut as a result of a pre-game mishap involving his brother.

I got to ask the people if they like the new haircut or not. Did you like it, guys?” the Spanish star asked the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. They roared their approval.

As Alcaraz's journey at the 2025 US Open began, fans had to get accustomed to a very different look from the Spanish phenom.