Alcaraz's forehand in his first-round match against Opelka at the US Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, on the evening of 25/8. Photo: ATP

*Djokovic - Alcaraz: Saturday, 6/9, 2 a.m. Hanoi time.

Just hours after arriving at the US Open, and long before his opening match, Carlos Alcaraz became the center of attention. Not for his tennis prowess, but for his new hairstyle.

"It looked terrible," American player Frances Tiafoe said with a laugh, "But I still love him."

Over the next 48 hours, nearly every player – from Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu to Alexander Zverev and, of course, world number one Jannik Sinner – was asked their opinion on Alcaraz's haircut. Each comment ignited social media, with Alcaraz responding with his characteristic humor, blaming his brother's barber skills.

Over a week later, Alcaraz's hair had grown back, and he began to look like his usual self. He also reached the semifinals against Novak Djokovic after defeating Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 on 3/9. While his on-court performance finally overshadowed his hair, the episode highlighted Alcaraz's immense popularity. Many top players are approachable in the locker room, but few stars of Alcaraz's caliber, so early in their careers, enjoy such widespread affection.

This raises the question: how can Alcaraz, the world number two with five Grand Slam titles, who often intimidates opponents with his power, tenacity, and extraordinary talent, still be so beloved by his peers?

"It's tough to balance being competitors while also liking each other," former player Sam Querrey said. "Not many superstars can do that. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal created a bit of that feeling, but Alcaraz seems to have even more. When he's in the players' lounge, everyone can tease and joke with him. He's always friendly. Alcaraz is a global superstar, but in many ways, he's still a regular guy. And people are drawn to that."

Alcaraz gives a ball to a spectator after his match against Lehecka in the US Open quarterfinals on Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, on 2/9. Photo: Reuters

Coaches and experts contribute to a player's success, but tennis remains a deeply individual sport. Ultimately, players are alone in figuring out how to handle challenges and take responsibility for their decisions on the court. Off the court, they constantly travel from tournament to tournament, spending most of their time with their team. It's a solitary experience. Many players say they find it difficult to connect with colleagues.

"I find it really difficult to have dinner with someone and then compete against them two days later. At the end of the day, this is an individual sport, and everyone wants to win," former world number one Maria Sharapova said in 2011. "When it comes to close people, I have my family and friends. I don't look for that by hanging around the locker room. It’s my least favorite place in the world."

Sharapova's view contrasts sharply with Alcaraz, who seems to relish being around his fellow players. Last week, fans circulated a photo of Alcaraz with Sinner after they bumped into each other at an Italian restaurant. Alcaraz insisted it was a coincidence, but it's hard to imagine such a chance encounter happening between Sharapova and Serena Williams, or even Federer and Nadal during the early stages of their rivalry.

According to Querrey, Federer is "a nice guy" and can be playful, but not universally friendly. Nadal is also cordial with his peers, but the language barrier sometimes hinders interaction. This is why Alcaraz has worked hard to improve his English, enabling him to interact more frequently and easily.

"Carlos speaks better English than Rafa," Querrey observed. "So, I think he's more proactive in conversations and interviews, adding humor, which is difficult for Rafa. This makes Alcaraz a more global star and allows him to communicate more freely, not just with other players, but also with fans."

Alcaraz's down-to-earth nature is evident in his travel choices. Instead of private jets, the 22-year-old recently shared his itinerary for a commercial flight from Madrid to Cincinnati. Upon meeting Querrey in the US, Alcaraz cheerfully revealed he had to take a connecting flight in Philadelphia to reach the Cincinnati Open.

"He's very kind," said women's doubles world number one Taylor Townsend, recounting her encounter with Alcaraz when she asked him to take a photo with her young son. "When my son asked Carlos if he was number one in the world, like me, he replied that he was getting there. He's quite funny."

Facundo Bagnis, a former world number 55, described Alcaraz as "a better person than he is a tennis player," while Tiafoe – despite losing to the Spaniard in the 2022 US Open semifinals – often praises and sends well wishes to Alcaraz.

Alcaraz celebrates his victory over Lehecka in the US Open quarterfinals on Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, on 2/9. Photo: Reuters

Alcaraz doesn't need to be aloof or tough to have amassed 22 ATP titles and 268 career wins. A smile is his constant companion. His openness, enthusiasm, and sheer joy for the game only endear him further to fans.

Throughout his journey in New York this year, Alcaraz has dominated his opponents and is the only player yet to drop a set. Reaching his ninth Grand Slam semifinal also puts him on par with the achievements of Nadal, Boris Becker, Mats Wilander, and Bjorn Borg before the age of 23. Win or lose against Djokovic tonight, Alcaraz remains an energetic, cheerful young man beloved by almost everyone on tour.

"Above all, he's a good person. It's in his blood. I think he's like that thanks to the great people around him, like his parents, his agent, and his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero," Querrey concluded. "No one can predict the future; who knows, maybe he'll change when he wins 15 Grand Slams, and the pressure is different? But I think Alcaraz will remain himself. He loves life and always spreads positive energy."

Vy Anh