Carlos Alcaraz debuts dramatic new hairstyle ahead of US Open

Carlos Alcaraz debuts dramatic new hairstyle ahead of US Open originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Carlos Alcaraz has gotten fans talking ahead of the US Open.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion showed followers a recap of his July in a post on Instagram on Thursday, July 30. Alcaraz began the photo dump showing off a braided hairstyle in straight-back cornrows as he posed in front of a mirror. Fans immediately went to the comment section to share how they felt about the tennis star’s new look.

“Unexpected hairstyle of the summer,” one fan commented, adding a laughing emoji.

“Love the long hair, but lose the braids,” another fan wrote with a laughing and awkward face emoji.

A fan shared how much fun they had and commented on the new look, “We had a great time! And the hairstyle… absolutely impressive,” adding several fire emojis. 

Another fan confused him for Drake: “I thought he was a young Drake for a second.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carlos Alcaraz Garfia (@carlitosalcarazz)

In the carousel post, Alcaraz shared photos and videos of himself with friends at the World Cup, at tennis practice, a selfie with his dog, and more.

When is the US Open?

Alcaraz is the reigning US Open champion after defeating Jannik Sinner in the final on September 7, 2025, with a score of 6–2, 3–6, 6–1, 6–4. 

After he won, he thanked his team for getting him to his goal.

“Every achievement that I have is because of you,” Alcaraz said per the US Open. 

“This tournament is super special for me,” he added. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this tournament. I just feel at home, feel the energy and feel the love, and I’m just trying to play my best for you guys. You made everything easy.”

The 2025 win for Alcaraz was his second US Open win, after he defeated Casper Ruud to win his first career Grand Slam title in 2022. 

The last match that Alcaraz competed in was the Barcelona Open in April 2026. The Spanish tennis star later suffered a wrist injury, which he shared with his fans in an X post back in April.

“After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros as we wait to evaluate the progress so we can decide when to return to the court,” he wrote. 

Alcaraz is actively recovering but has shown himself practicing since his initial message to fans on his injury. 

The 2026 US Open will take place from Aug. 23 to Sept. 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City’s Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.

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