In the electrifying atmosphere of the 2025 US Open, where the stakes are higher than ever with a record-breaking $90 million prize purse and $5 million awaiting each singles champion, all eyes have been on the courts—and not just for the blistering serves and dramatic rallies. One of the tournament’s most talked-about stories revolves around Carlos Alcaraz’s bold new buzzcut, a drastic transformation that’s sparked endless chatter among players, fans, and media alike. The 22-year-old Spanish sensation, already a five-time Grand Slam winner including his triumphant 2022 US Open run, showed up at Flushing Meadows with his signature locks shorn down to a close shave, courtesy of a haircut gone wrong at the hands of his brother Alvaro. What started as an attempt at a trim escalated into a full buzz, leaving Alcaraz to embrace the unexpected change with his trademark confidence.
The look has divided opinions across the tennis world. American star Frances Tiafoe didn’t hold back, labeling it “horrible” and “terrible,” while joking that it made Alcaraz “aerodynamic” and even faster on the court—a potential “problem” for opponents. Tiafoe quipped, “I looked at him, and was like, ‘I guess you’re aerodynamic.’… ‘Yeah, I’m faster than I already was.’ Well that’s a problem. But yeah, I don’t know who told him that was good, or to do that, but it’s terrible.” British player Jack Draper, on the other hand, gave it a thumbs-up, saying, “I love it when people change up the hairstyles. The media probably will slay it but I think it looks cool. I think he’s done well to mix it up there.” Even Fran Jones, who speaks fluent Spanish, confronted Alcaraz directly with her blunt take: “It’s shocking, disgraceful – and I told him that as well.” Alcaraz, ever the laid-back champion, just laughed it off, proving once again why he’s beloved for his chilled personality.
Amid this buzz, Emma Raducanu, Alcaraz’s mixed doubles partner and the 2021 US Open champion, weighed in with a response that’s added fuel to the ongoing romance rumors swirling around the pair. Fresh off her dominant second-round victory over Janice Tjen—winning 6-2, 6-1 in straight sets and maintaining her perfect 9-0 record at the US Open while wearing red—Raducanu was asked about her partner’s dramatic new style. With a smile that hinted at playfulness, she defended him against the critics, particularly Tiafoe’s harsh words. “I think Frances was harsh on him,” she said. “I think the fact that he does it with confidence and owns it. I think he pulled it off.” Expanding on her thoughts, she added, “I think he owns it. I think he pulls it off and if you own a haircut like that, then it can work. But whatever he does, it’s not going to affect what he does on the court. I’m just happy to see him having fun.” Her words carried a flirty undertone, reigniting speculation about the nature of their relationship, especially as they prepare to team up on the court.
The duo’s partnership in the mixed doubles event, which kicked off a week before the main draw with a revamped format offering a Grand Slam trophy and $1 million in prize money, has only amplified the intrigue. Alcaraz, known for his creative flair and affable demeanor, reached out to Raducanu via text to ask if she’d join him, and after a couple of days, she agreed. “She’s going to be the boss,” Alcaraz said of their dynamic, showcasing his respectful and fun-loving approach. Their on-court chemistry is set to be tested against Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, but off the court, it’s their interactions that have captivated fans. A promotional video for the US Open, viewed over 3.2 million times on Instagram, captured them side by side, sharing laughs over simple things like coin toss preferences. Alcaraz’s nervous glance at Raducanu prompted giggles from both, leading to fan comments like “Okay when’s the wedding” and “Love is in the court.”
These moments aren’t isolated. Over the summer, Raducanu was spotted cheering for Alcaraz at Wimbledon, where they were seen arriving at venues just minutes apart, exchanging jokes and easy banter. Google searches for the pair skyrocketed by 2,250% in the past 90 days, peaking around her attendance at his matches. Social media has exploded with “shipping”—the fan practice of rooting for a romantic pairing—with Reddit threads, Tumblr posts, and even fan fiction on platforms like Wattpad and AO3 imagining their story. One fan summed it up perfectly: “With everything going on in the world, everyone is rooting for a good love story.” The appeal lies in their shared youth, multicultural backgrounds—Raducanu, born in Canada to a Chinese mother and Romanian father, raised in the UK; Alcaraz, the charismatic Spaniard—and their genuine connection forged as teens rising through the ranks. Raducanu reflected on this, saying, “When you become a bit more known or a bit more successful, you just find yourself reverting back to people you knew from a young age.” Alcaraz echoed the sentiment, appreciating her support: “It was great having her in the stands.”
Despite the hype, both insist they’re just good friends. When pressed on the rumors in June, Raducanu smiled and replied, “We’re just good friends,” before the moderator swiftly ended the line of questioning, eliciting a laugh from her as she noted, “Way to wrap up!” She’s also addressed the fan frenzy directly: “I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.” Psychologically, this shipping phenomenon offers escapism and excitement, providing a “neurophysiological, chemical reaction” for fans seeking joy amid global chaos. Yet, it’s not without boundaries; while most engagement is harmless, incidents like a man being ejected from a tournament for fixated behavior toward Raducanu highlight the line between fandom and overstepping.
As the US Open unfolds, with potential weather delays adding unpredictability, Alcaraz and Raducanu continue to shine individually. Raducanu’s swift wins signal a strong comeback, while Alcaraz’s speed—buzzcut or not—remains a force. Whether their mixed doubles debut leads to victory or just more memorable moments, one thing is clear: this pairing has injected a dose of romance and fun into the high-pressure world of professional tennis, proving that sometimes, the real drama happens off the baseline. Their story, blending athletic prowess with youthful charm, reminds us why tennis isn’t just a sport—it’s a spectacle of human connection.
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