Carlos Alcaraz has all the answers to top Reilly…
Carlos Alcaraz — with a new buzz cut — was a buzzsaw against Reilly Opelka, cutting down the large American 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in the first spherical of the U.S. Open.
As it seems, the close-cropped look was a familial fluke more than a fashion assertion.
“I just wanted to get a haircut and suddenly my brother just misunderstood the machine. The only way to fix it is just to shave it off. And it just became this haircut. To be honest, it’s not that good,” said Alcaraz, rapidly correcting himself to “[I mean] it’s not that bad, I guess.”
Freudian slip.
Carlos Alcaraz hits a return to Reilly Opelka during Night two of the US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Monday August 25, 2025. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
But the Spaniard had no slips on the court.
Alcaraz hit 23 winners against just 17 unforced errors.
He gained a stellar 86 p.c of his first service factors against Opelka — one of the best servers on the whole tour — and didn’t lose a single break level.
Asked how the new haircut impacted his recreation, Alcaraz flashed a smile and replied, “I think I’m faster.”
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after his win at U.S. Open on Monday evening. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
The five-time Grand Slam champion was just agile enough and expert enough to have answers against the hard-serving Opelka.
“Well, today was really difficult to get the good rhythm,” said Alcaraz. “Opelka is such a robust opponent, big serve. He doesn’t allow you to go on rallies. It was troublesome for me to get the good rhythm and the good feeling from the baseline.
“So I just tried to return effectively, enjoying as long a level as I can and attempting to get the good rhythm and the good feeling. So it was a troublesome first spherical, but total I just actually joyful with the approach that I managed every part that I performed today. Good return, good level from the baseline, good serve. So I just needed to keep it going.
Reilly Opelka hits a return to Carlos Alcaraz during Night two of the US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Monday August 25, 2025 in Queens. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
“[Tuesday] I will try to practice a little bit to get more rhythm. The next round is going to be with more rhythm, playing more point from the baseline. So let’s see if I’m going to get there. But right now I’m just really happy with the way that I’m feeling.”
The 6-foot-11 Opelka topped 140 mph on his serve, and hit 14 aces.
But Alcaraz was just too good.
He superior to face Mattia Bellucci in the second spherical.
He’s never confronted the 24-year-old Italian.
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