Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has unveiled a new haircut just nine days before the start of the 2025 Australian Open. While the change in style caught the attention of fans, the response has been mixed, with some praising the fresh look, while others are less enthusiastic.
Alcaraz decided to debut his new haircut on January 3rd, just ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year. The Spaniard had previously sported a different look during a busy off-season that included exhibition matches. These appearances, such as his clash with Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden, where Alcaraz triumphed despite losing the opening set, showcased his impressive form. However, his off-season was also marked by a loss to Frances Tiafoe in Charlotte, where the American put on an inspired performance to defeat Alcaraz.
Despite the results in the exhibitions, Alcaraz’s decision to participate in them raised eyebrows due to his vocal concerns last year about the length and demands of the tennis calendar. The young star had expressed frustration, even questioning if organizers were trying to “kill” the players with an exhausting schedule. His remarks were part of a broader critique shared by fellow top players like Iga Świątek, Alexander Zverev, and Jessica Pegula, who also voiced concerns over the grueling calendar.
This criticism was met with some backlash, notably from tennis legend Billie Jean King, who accused Alcaraz and others of hypocrisy for continuing to participate in exhibitions despite their complaints about the schedule. ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi also weighed in, suggesting players could opt for fewer exhibitions and prioritize rest and recovery.
In response to the criticism, Taylor Fritz came to Alcaraz’s defense, arguing that the intensity of exhibition matches is far less demanding than official ATP tournaments, highlighting the relaxed atmosphere of these events. Despite the controversy, Alcaraz remains one of the most popular and charismatic players on the tour, with his off-court activities often making headlines—his latest hairstyle being no exception.
The reaction to Alcaraz’s new haircut was divided on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Some fans were not impressed, with one account, Nole Fan, humorously suggesting that Alcaraz should “fire his barber.” Meanwhile, others expressed admiration for the change, with one fan, Sports Fan, calling the new look “absolutely love it .”
The comparisons to Alcaraz’s 2022 US Open appearance—when his hair was shorter—also surfaced, though his current cut is noticeably shorter than during his first Grand Slam title run at Flushing Meadows.
While some may focus on Alcaraz’s new hairstyle, it is his performance on the court that will truly capture the attention of tennis fans. If Alcaraz can deliver the kind of thrilling tennis that has made him one of the brightest stars of the sport, his haircut will likely be a fleeting talking point as the tournament progresses.
