The 2025 US Open has been a whirlwind of high-stakes tennis, with a jaw-dropping $90 million prize purse and a vibrant New York crowd fueling the excitement. Amid the thunderous rallies and intense competition, a lighter moment has captured the tennis world’s attention: Carlos Alcaraz’s dramatic new buzzcut and Emma Raducanu’s playful take on it. The 22-year-old Spaniard, a five-time Grand Slam champion, debuted a striking shaved head at Flushing Meadows, sparking a frenzy of reactions from fans and players alike. Raducanu, his mixed doubles partner and the 2021 US Open champion, delivered a witty endorsement that has only amplified the buzz, adding a dash of charm to an already electrifying tournament.
Fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen in just an hour, Raducanu was in high spirits during her post-match press conference. Her performance on Louis Armstrong Stadium was a masterclass, with her powerful serve and clean groundstrokes leaving Tjen little room to breathe. “I thought she was very dangerous and any ball I put mid-court was going to be punished,” Raducanu said, acknowledging the challenge posed by Tjen, who had upset 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in the first round. Despite a brief moment of concern when she touched her back in the second set, Raducanu downplayed any injury fears, noting, “I just had a little bit of stiffness.” Her focus and discipline shone through, as she maintained her perfect 9-0 record at the US Open, signaling a strong comeback in 2025 after years of battling injuries.
The press room, however, took a turn for the playful when the topic shifted to Alcaraz’s new look. The Spaniard’s buzzcut, the result of a grooming mishap by his brother Alvaro, has been the talk of Flushing Meadows. “My brother misunderstood with the machine he cut it. And the only way to fix it is to shave it off,” Alcaraz explained after his first-round win over Reilly Opelka. While some, like Frances Tiafoe, were less than kind—calling the haircut “horrible” and “terrible”—Raducanu offered a supportive and cheeky defense. “I think Frances was harsh on him,” she said with a laugh. “I think the fact that he does it with confidence and owns it… I think he pulls it off.” She doubled down, adding, “I think he owns it. He pulls it off. 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 it.” Her comments, delivered with a smile, sparked laughter and headlines, blending professional respect with a hint of flirtatious charm.
The buzz around Alcaraz’s haircut has only been amplified by his and Raducanu’s partnership in the revamped US Open mixed doubles event, which offers a $1 million prize and a Grand Slam trophy. Their pairing, announced earlier this summer, has fueled speculation about a possible romance, especially after Raducanu was spotted cheering for Alcaraz at Wimbledon and their joint promotional video garnered 3.2 million Instagram views. In the clip, their chemistry was undeniable, with Alcaraz’s nervous glance and Raducanu’s confident “Tails” during a coin toss question prompting giggles. “We’re just good friends,” Raducanu clarified in June, brushing off rumors with a laugh, though fans continue to “ship” the duo, with social media abuzz with comments like “Love is in the court.”
Despite their first-round loss to top seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, the Alcaraz-Raducanu partnership has been a highlight, showcasing their shared youth and charisma. Raducanu reflected on their bond, forged during their breakout 2021 US Open runs: “I remember he beat Stef [Tsitsipas] in the third round and it was like a big win, his breakout win on a big stage and it was really cool to kind of go through that tournament together.” Alcaraz, ever the gentleman, called her “the boss” of their doubles team, adding to the playful dynamic that has captivated fans.
As Raducanu gears up for a third-round clash with Elena Rybakina, her focus remains sharp. “Maintaining is another challenge—it takes a lot of work,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to extra training and injury prevention. Alcaraz, meanwhile, continues to dazzle with his speed, joking that his buzzcut makes him “faster than he already was.” Whether on the court or in the headlines, this dynamic duo is proving that confidence—be it in a haircut or a forehand—can steal the show. As the US Open unfolds, their blend of talent and personality ensures they remain the heart of the tournament’s most unforgettable stories.
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