The 2025 US Open has been a whirlwind of excitement, with powerful serves, stunning rallies, and, unexpectedly, a hairstyle stealing the spotlight. Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis sensation and five-time Grand Slam champion, debuted a dramatic buzzcut at Flushing Meadows, sparking a wave of reactions from fans and players alike. Among those weighing in was Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, whose playful yet supportive comments about her mixed doubles partner’s new look added a lighthearted moment to the tournament’s intense atmosphere. After her commanding second-round victory, Raducanu’s verdict on Alcaraz’s haircut became as much a talking point as her on-court dominance.
Raducanu, fresh off a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen in just 60 minutes on Louis Armstrong Stadium, was in high spirits during her post-match press conference. The 22-year-old Brit, who knows the pressure of the US Open spotlight from her historic 2021 triumph, faced questions not only about her game but also about Alcaraz’s head-turning transformation. “I think he owns it. I think he pulls it off,” Raducanu said with a smile, defending Alcaraz against less flattering critiques. “If you own a haircut like that, then it can work. Mixed field, 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 with whatever.” Her words captured the camaraderie and mutual respect that define their friendship, forged through years on the tour and their recent mixed doubles partnership.
Alcaraz’s buzzcut, the result of a playful mishap with his brother’s clippers, has divided opinions. American star Frances Tiafoe didn’t hold back, jokingly calling it “horrible” and “definitely terrible,” while suggesting Alcaraz’s new aerodynamic look might make him even faster. “I was like, ‘Well, that’s a problem,’” Raducanu quipped, recalling Tiafoe’s roast. Yet, she pushed back against the criticism, noting, “I think Frances was harsh on him. I think the fact that he does it with confidence and owns it… I’d say support him.” Her defense highlighted not only her loyalty to Alcaraz but also her appreciation for his ability to embrace the moment, a trait she admires both on and off the court. Naomi Osaka, another US Open champion, also chimed in, praising Alcaraz’s boldness. “It’s cool that he just doesn’t care that much. I thought he was going for like a David Beckham moment,” Osaka said, suggesting a platinum dye job might be next.
On the court, Raducanu’s performance was a masterclass in control and aggression. Facing Tjen, who had upset 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the first round and modeled her game after Ash Barty, Raducanu was relentless, firing eight aces and dictating rallies with precision. “I thought that she was very dangerous and any ball I put mid-court was going to be punished,” she said of Tjen. “So I’m very pleased with how I kept dictating the points, I kept dictating the play and didn’t let her too often get her front foot on the court.” Despite a brief moment of concern when she touched her troublesome back in the second set, Raducanu downplayed it, saying, “I just had a little bit of stiffness in the second set. I think I have been doing a lot of training and I’m just happy it didn’t affect me too much.” Her serve, a standout weapon, underpinned her confidence. “I thought that I served very well and I put quite a few aces on the board today. It always helps me when I’m serving well. It just kind of seeps into the rest of my game,” she added.
The buzz around Alcaraz’s haircut hasn’t overshadowed his own stellar play. The world No. 2 breezed past Mattia Bellucci in straight sets, dropping just four games, proving that his new look hasn’t dulled his edge. His victory over Reilly Opelka in the first round, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4, showcased his trademark speed and shot-making. Off the court, Alcaraz and Raducanu’s friendship, which began at Wimbledon 2021, has fueled speculation, despite both insisting they’re “just good friends.” Their mixed doubles campaign ended in a first-round loss to Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, but their chemistry was undeniable. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu said of Alcaraz, reflecting on their bond.
As Raducanu prepares for a daunting third-round clash with former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, her focus remains sharp. “I do want to see how my game suits and fits against the top,” she said, eager to test herself. Alcaraz, meanwhile, continues his quest for another US Open title, unfazed by the haircut chatter. In New York, where performance meets personality, Raducanu’s support for Alcaraz’s bold style and her own commanding play remind fans why both stars shine so brightly.
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