Leave it to Carlos Alcaraz to create more buzz with his haircut than most players do with their entire first-round performance. The Spanish sensation rolled into Flushing Meadows sporting a fresh buzz cut that had everyone from Rory McIlroy to Frances Tiafoe weighing in like they were judging a hair show instead of watching tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz has showed up at the U.S. Open for his first-round match with a shaved head. Alcaraz, who is seeded No. 2 at Flushing Meadows, caused a bit of a buzz with his buzz cut when he got to the tournament grounds before beating Reilly Opelka in straight sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday.

T here is no doubt that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the two top favorites to win this edition of the US Open, which will take place in New York from August 24 to September 7. Both have won this tournament once and are perfectly aware of its importance for the race for the first position in the ATP rankings as well.