Carlos Alcaraz unveils new US Open hairstyle inspired by rival after sending fans into frenzy

22:58 ET, 08 Sep 2026Updated 23:05 ET, 08 Sep 2026

Carlos Alcaraz switched up his look ahead of his hotly-anticipated US Open quarterfinal against American favorite Ben Shelton.

Having spent four months sidelined with a wrist injury, Alcaraz is in imperious form. The Spaniard has dropped just one set across his first four matches in New York and is emerging as a real favorite to add to his Grand Slam collection.

He holds a 3-0 record against Shelton, but even so, it seems Alcaraz is considering switching things up. The seven-time Grand Slam champion is rocking long hair for the final major of the year, but after letting it flow early in the tournament and holding it in place with a band, Alcaraz tried a a new style against Shelton.

During a practice session on the outdoor courts, Alcaraz was spotted sporting his hair in a man bun, pulling it back and looping a tie around it in the form of Alexander Zverev, the No. 1 seed. It’s the latest variation of the long hair look that the superstar is going for since returning from his injury at this US Open.

It’s not just Alcaraz’s hair that is making people take notice. On Friday, after clinching a straight-sets win over Wu Yibing, Alcaraz took off his shirt and undershirt on the court, leaving his entire torso exposed.

For those in the first few rows at Arthur Ashe Stadium, this is why they pay the big bucks to sit so close to the action. Many women were seen with their smartphones out, snapping pics and videos with their mouths agape as they took in the view of the No. 2 seed.

Alcaraz was wearing an undershirt to avoid getting his right nipple exposed, which had happened several times in his first-round match. The Spaniard is wearing items of clothing from his collaboration with Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Nike brand, but the sleeveless jersey left him slightly underdressed.

“I think I saw my nipple too much lately,” Alcaraz told reporters when asked to explain the addition of the undershirt. He added: “I felt like, you know, I could hide it for at least one match.”

Alcaraz holds a 3-0 record against Shelton and hopes to maintain his run against the American to continue his quest to become the first male competitor to defend his US Open title since Roger Federer won five straight from 2004 to 2008.

Both men are fired up about the opportunity to play one another in the last eight of the US Open. After advancing past the fourth round, Alcaraz — who thought he was down to face Frances Tiafoe — told reporters about Shelton: “Really powerful player. I think he uses the crowd, the people behind him, especially when he's playing here at home.”

Meanwhile, on Alcaraz, Shelton said: “We practiced together before the tournament. I've been watching his matches. I think he's playing extremely high level. To me, he looks very normal - his normal, I mean - which is impressive after not playing for five months.

“I think it will be a great match. I'm excited for the battle. Never played him here in New York, and obviously in the position that I want to be in.”