Watch: Carlos Alcaraz Hits an Absurd Behind the Back Shot at the US Open Against Arthur Rinderknech

This is not the first time he has implemented a behind the back shot in his career. Three years ago in the same venue, he pulled out a similar shot against Jannik Sinner in their high-voltage quarterfinal clash. Earlier this year at Rotterdam, he pulled out another similar shot to catch his opponent by surprise. The Spaniard is looking to reach a third US Open quarterfinal.

Carlos Alcaraz’s haircut becomes the talk of the town

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz managed to spark more conversation with his haircut than most players did with their opening-round matches. The young Spaniard arrived at Flushing Meadows with a brand-new buzz cut that immediately caught attention. Fans, fellow players, and even Rory McIlroy and Frances Tiafoe had opinions, turning a simple style change into one of the tournament’s hot topics.

The sudden switch was striking. Just days earlier, Alcaraz had been known for his thick hair, a look that had become part of his identity on tour. When he walked onto the practice courts, his clean-shaven head shocked spectators.

The dramatic change left many wondering what had happened, with reactions ranging from amusement to approval. McIlroy, who was nearby, couldn’t resist getting involved. He reached out to touch Alcaraz’s head and jokingly asked why he had done it.

After the laugh, the golf star gave his honest verdict—he liked it. For a moment, the tennis world was less about forehands and more about haircuts, showing how small details can capture attention at major events.

As it turns out, the haircut wasn’t planned. Alcaraz explained that his brother accidentally took too much off with the clippers, leaving no choice but to shave it all down. Being away from his usual barber only made things worse. What started as a mistake quickly became a bold new look, proving that even tennis champions aren’t safe from family haircut mishaps.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner can make Open Era history at the US Open

Second seed Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have taken control of men’s tennis in 2025. Between them, they have collected the last seven Grand Slam titles, creating one of the strongest rivalries the sport has seen in years. Heading into the US Open, both are considered heavy favorites and many expect them to clash in a third straight major final.

Their rivalry on the biggest stage began in Paris. At Roland Garros, Alcaraz came out on top in a thrilling five-set final. A month later at Wimbledon, Sinner struck back, winning in four sets to even the score. Each showdown has been fierce, setting the stage for what could be another historic meeting in New York.

Both stars have moved through the early rounds at Flushing Meadows with little trouble. If they meet in the US Open final, they would make history as the first men in the Open Era to contest three Grand Slam finals in a single season. That level of consistency at the top has rarely been seen in modern tennis.

In the past, rivals have often shared two major finals in the same year. Legends like Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray pushed each other to that level multiple times. More recently, Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev faced off in two finals in 2021. Now, Alcaraz and Sinner are carrying that tradition forward, but with the chance to push it even further.