Carlos Alcaraz is making headlines for more than just his comeback from injury. The Spanish tennis sensation has unveiled a dramatic new hairstyle that has the tennis world buzzing—and not everyone is a fan.
Alcaraz, 23, has been sidelined since his historic Australian Open victory earlier this year, where he defeated Novak Djokovic to become the youngest player ever to complete the career Grand Slam. A wrist injury forced him to miss both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but he's now inching closer to a return. Recent footage shows him hitting forehands again, and his name has appeared on the entry list for the US Open, set to begin Aug. 30.
But it's his new look that's stealing the spotlight. In a video shared by journalist José Morgado, Alcaraz sports tight cornrows—a stark departure from his usual curly locks. The reaction online has been swift and harsh. “He got the zero-aura cornrows,” one fan commented. Another pleaded, “Alcaraz, please stop these awful hairstyles. Your old hairstyle was so much better.” A third simply wrote, “What is this nonsense.”
The criticism hasn't dampened Alcaraz's spirits as he prepares for the hard-court swing. He's set to compete at the Cincinnati Masters before heading to Flushing Meadows, where he'll defend his 2025 titles. Last year, he beat Jannik Sinner in both the Cincinnati and US Open finals, a feat that cemented his status as a top contender.
Alcaraz's return is a major boost for the tournament, which has seen its share of drama this season—from controversies over player injuries to off-court spectacles like fake AI photos stirring outrage. The Spaniard's presence alone guarantees excitement, even if his hairstyle is dividing opinion.
Despite the backlash, Alcaraz seems unfazed. He's focused on his recovery and reclaiming his spot at the top. With the US Open just weeks away, fans will soon see whether his new look—or his game—makes the bigger statement.
