Fresh trim, same fire: Alcaraz begins US Open with statement win

WEB DESK: Sporting a buzzcut, Carlos Alcaraz began his 2025 US Open campaign in style, defeating big-serving American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in just over two hours on Monday night. The second seed looked sharp on court, using relentless returns and steady baseline play to blunt Opelka’s power and seal a composed straight-sets victory.

“It was a really difficult one against a great player,” Alcaraz admitted. “With his serve, I couldn’t get the rhythm I wanted, but I think my return was one of the best things I did today.” The Spaniard created 11 break chances and converted three, closing out the match just before midnight in New York.

Weary Swiatek wins US Open mixed doubles opener

Yet before Alcaraz struck a ball, it was his appearance that made headlines. The 22-year-old stunned fans and commentators by debuting a freshly shaved buzzcut. “I need something fresh to start a tournament as well as I can,” he explained, prompting speculation of superstition. Alcaraz also had short hair when he lifted his first major at Flushing Meadows in 2022, becoming the youngest US Open men’s champion since Pete Sampras.

Sabalenka storms into US Open second round as Djokovic kicks off title chase

This season, Alcaraz already has a French Open title and a Wimbledon runner-up finish, and with 55 wins and six titles on the year, he enters New York among the favourites. The haircut, some suggest, signals a reset after his shock second-round exit here last year. “Sometimes you need to reset, to change something, to feel sharp,” a former pro noted on ESPN.

Beyond style, the stakes are high. Alcaraz is not only chasing a second US Open crown and sixth major overall, but also the year-end No. 1 ranking. Should he match or better Jannik Sinner’s result, he will leave New York at the top of the ATP standings, with the tantalising prospect of meeting his Italian rival in a championship showdown.

Liverpool edge Newcastle in stoppage-time thriller

For now, his focus shifts to Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in round two. With his game polished and his new look turning heads, Alcaraz has already made a statement: in New York, he’s here for more than just attention.