Three hours before his opening match at the 2025 US Open against Reilly Opelka, images of Alcaraz's shaved head spread globally across social media. The "culprit," as confirmed by the Murcia native, was his brother, Alvaro.

"My hair was long, I wanted it short, but he used the wrong clippers, and in the end, the best option was… to shave it all off," Alcaraz revealed after his victory over Opelka. "It'll grow back in a few days and be fine. Some people like it, some don't, but I find the reactions funny. That's how it is, there's nothing I can do now."

Carlos Alcaraz hits a behind-the-back shot, surprising Arthur Rinderknech and forcing an error into the net during their round of 16 match at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York on 30/9/2025. Photo: AFP

When the 22-year-old shaved his head on 24/8, he made a bet with his entire team: if he won the tournament in New York, he and all the members would have to change their appearance. Each person had three options for this promise: dye their hair platinum blonde, get highlights, or shave their hair but not completely bald.

On 6/9, with a beaming smile after defeating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, Alcaraz hinted in the post-match interview: "If I win, a new hairstyle will be even more impressive, you'll be surprised."

On 8/9, the Spanish player officially won his second US Open title and his sixth Grand Slam overall. True to his word, he took only one day to fulfill his promise. Immediately after landing back in his hometown of El Palmar, Alcaraz went to the barbershop to see his regular stylist, Victor – a former ham boner in Murcia before he picked up scissors and opened his shop. During Roland Garros, Victor flew to Paris to shave Alcaraz's sideburns, nape, and trim his beard.

Victor styles Alcaraz's hair.

Styled by a professional instead of his brother, Alcaraz's new platinum blonde hair once again shocked the world. Victor posted on Instagram, showing off his loyal client's new look.

"This guy kept his promise! Back to world number one with a new look! Crazy!", the stylist wrote. And with this new look, Alcaraz headed to San Francisco for the Laver Cup.

Alcaraz's team members also had to keep their word. They all sported new looks before boarding the plane back to the US for the 2025 Laver Cup. Juanjo Moreno, Alcaraz's physiotherapist, also opted for platinum blonde hair. Albert Molina, the 22-year-old's agent, chose to shave his head, similar to Alcaraz's brother, Alvaro, who often serves as a practice partner. Juanjo Lopez, the six-time Grand Slam champion's personal doctor, also appeared with a novel half-shaved head.

Carlos Alcaraz serves during his doubles match with Casper Ruud for Team Europe against Reilly Opelka and Alex Michelsen of Team World at the 2025 Laver Cup at Chase Center, San Francisco, California on 21/9/2025. Photo: AFP

The 2025 Laver Cup, the eighth edition of the tournament, took place at Chase Center, San Francisco from 19/9 to 21/9. For the first time, the event was not led by legends Bjorn Borg or John McEnroe, who had captained the teams since the tournament's inception in 2017. This year, Yannick Noah captained Team Europe, with Tim Henman as vice-captain. Andre Agassi led Team World, assisted by Patrick Rafter.

Team Europe consisted of Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik, and Flavio Cobolli. Team World was led by Taylor Fritz, along with Alex de Minaur, Francisco Cerundolo, Joao Fonseca, Alex Michelsen, and Reilly Opelka.

Team World won the 2025 Laver Cup with a final victory of 15-9 over Team Europe, the 2024 champions. Alcaraz defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-1 in a singles match on the final day, 21/9, but it wasn't enough for Team Europe to defend their title.

Compiled by Ha Phuong