Carlos Alcaraz debuts platinum look after 'terrible' buzzcut during US Open run

Carlos Alcaraz unveiled a platinum-dyed hairstyle on Tuesday after a mishap earlier in the US Open left him with a closely shorn buzzcut — a look he described as "not that good, it's not that bad" — and then went on to win the title in New York.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, who reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking by defeating long-time rival Jannik Sinner in four sets to claim his second US Open crown, said the initial cut had been the result of a misunderstanding by his brother, Alvaro. "My brother misunderstood with the machine he cut it," Alcaraz told reporters after a first-round match against Reilly Opelka. "And the only way to fix it is to shave it off."

Alcaraz drew attention when he appeared with the close shave for his first-round match, shortly after competing in the US Open's new mixed doubles competition with Emma Raducanu. He posted behind-the-scenes photos from New York showing his brother mid-shave and spoofed images of himself in different wigs, even posing in a blonde shoulder-length wig in a taxi.

After returning to his hometown of Murcia, Alcaraz's long-time barber, Victor, bleached his hair platinum. The transformation came after Alcaraz had hinted he might do "something even better" with his hair to celebrate the victory at Flushing Meadows.

The close-cropped cut did not affect his performance in New York. Alcaraz beat several top opponents en route to the final and downed Sinner to secure the championship and regain the sport's top ranking. Following the win, he took part in media appearances and celebratory events in the city, including a trophy photoshoot and an after-party in the Meatpacking District attended by celebrities and models.

Alcaraz and fellow champion Aryna Sabalenka appeared together on morning television, where Sabalenka accidentally referred to him by his rival's name in an offhand moment that drew amusement. The Spaniard later shared images of his celebrations on social media, including snapshots with family and members of his team.

Alcaraz has scheduled a return to the United States at the end of the month to play in the Laver Cup in San Francisco as a member of Team Europe. His new look will be on display as he continues his post-Open schedule.

Coaches and stylists have sometimes accompanied top players through image changes during major tournaments, but Alcaraz's sequence — a brother's emergency correction followed by a professional bleaching upon return to Spain — provided an unusual chapter in his championship week. He has not suggested the haircut played any role in his results beyond being part of the week's narrative.

Tournament officials and opponents did not comment on the haircut beyond noting Alcaraz's performance on court. The player remains focused on upcoming commitments and the season's remaining team competitions.

Alcaraz's transformation attracted wide attention on social media and in the tennis press, where it was discussed alongside his rising tally of major titles and return to the top ranking. He has said little beyond the account of the haircut's origin and his promise of a surprise; images posted by his barber and by Alcaraz himself provide the public record of the change.

He will head to San Francisco later in the month to join Team Europe at the Laver Cup, where the team format and exhibition atmosphere often produce unconventional moments of their own. Observers will watch whether the new hairstyle becomes a longer-term look or another ephemeral element of a busy season for the young champion.