US Open: Alcaraz Overcomes Opelka in Straight Sets
Carlos Alcaraz secures a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win over Reilly Opelka in the US Open's first round, advancing to face Mattia Bellucci next.
“Reilly is a great, tough player. I couldn't get the rhythm that I wanted to get but I'm just really happy...”
Carlos Alcaraz debuted a striking new hairstyle, a severe military-style crew cut, as he took to the court against towering Reilly Opelka in the US Open's first round. The 22-year-old Spaniard's fresh look drew mixed reactions from fans and fellow players, with some comparing it to soccer star David Beckham's iconic style. Frances Tiafoe, Alcaraz's friend and fellow tennis player, jokingly called it “terrible” and “horrendous,” but Alcaraz seemed unfazed by the comments.
Carlos cut right through the competition tonight 💈 pic.twitter.com/UocZlBXbLN
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2025
Despite the distraction, Alcaraz dominated the match, winning in straight sets 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. He played a solid game, making just 17 unforced errors and saving all three break points he faced. Alcaraz's return game was particularly strong, which he credited as a key factor in his victory. “The return was one of the best things today,” Alcaraz said in a post-match interview. ”I tried to play my best tennis, tried to be focused on the serve. Overall, I had a really great performance today.”
Alcaraz's win sets him up for a promising run in the tournament. He'll face Italian player Mattia Bellucci in the second round, who advanced after his opponent retired due to injury. With this victory, Alcaraz remains a strong contender for the World No. 1 ranking, and his performance has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz's new haircut drew mixed reactions from fans and fellow players, with close friend Frances Tiafoe bluntly calling it “terrible.” However, Alcaraz remained focused and delivered a strong performance, securing a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Reilly Opelka in the first round of the US Open. Opelka's powerful serves posed a challenge, but Alcaraz's agility and precise shot-making ultimately gave him the edge he needed to win.
“Today was a really difficult one,” Alcaraz admitted, yet he was thrilled with his overall performance against the big-serving American. Alcaraz took control of the match with strategic breaks, including a crucial hold in the fifth game of the first set and another decisive break in the 11th game of the second set. He sealed the win with a scorching forehand down the line on his third match point.
Alcaraz's win sets the stage for another exciting run in New York, as he chases his second US Open title and sixth Grand Slam overall.
“Reilly is a great, tough player. I couldn't get the rhythm that I wanted to get but I'm just really happy with what I did today. I did a great performance today.”
Carlos Alcaraz's new military-style crew cut was a result of a botched trim by his brother, who “My brother just misunderstood the machine. He just cut it,” Alcaraz said. “Then, you know, the only way to fix it is just shave it off. To be honest, it's not that bad, I guess,” and cut his hair too short. Alcaraz jokingly explained that the only solution was to shave it all off. Despite the mixed reactions, with some fans calling it “terrible” and comparing it unfavorably to his previous hairstyles, Alcaraz seemed to take the criticism in stride, saying, “To be honest, it’s not that bad. Some people like it, some don’t. I’m just enjoying the reactions.” His friend, Frances Tiafoe, wasn't a fan, bluntly labeling the new look as “terrible.”
Carlos Alcaraz dominated Reilly Opelka in the US Open's first round, winning 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. He took control in the fifth game of the first set with a crucial break, which he retained before serving out the set to love. This strong start set the tone for the rest of the match, showcasing Alcaraz's skill and strategy.
Carlos polls the crowd on the new haircut 😅 🗳️ pic.twitter.com/RtsvyhAHMP
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2025
Alcaraz faced some challenges in the second set, particularly saving two break points while holding serve at 3-3. However, he seized his chance in the 11th game, breaking Opelka to take a 6-5 lead. He then held his serve to win the set 7-5, putting him up two sets to love. This decisive break proved to be the turning point in the match, allowing Alcaraz to assert his dominance.
The third set between Carlos Alcaraz and Reilly Opelka remained tightly contested, with both players holding their serves until the ninth game. Alcaraz seized the opportunity to break Opelka, taking a 5-4 lead. Opelka's long forehand return gave Alcaraz three match points, which he capitalized on with a powerful forehand down the line, securing a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory.
With this win, Alcaraz advances to the second round, where he'll face Italian player Mattia Bellucci. The match is scheduled for August 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM WAT. Given Alcaraz's strong performance, he's expected to be a formidable opponent for Bellucci.
Alcaraz's win sets him up for another challenging match against Bellucci, who will look to exploit any weaknesses in Alcaraz's game. Given Alcaraz's strong performance, he's favored to win, with predictions giving him a 90.3% chance of advancing to the next round.
Next Challenge for Alcaraz:
- Opponent: Mattia Bellucci
- Round: Second round of the US Open
- Goal: Avoid a repeat of last year's early exit, when he lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets
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