Carlos Alcaraz showcases dramatic new look on social media
Carlos Alcaraz has set the internet alight with a dramatic new look — a full head of tightly woven cornrow braids, showcased in a series of Instagram posts. The 23-year-old tennis star shared these images as part of a recap of his July activities, garnering widespread admiration from fans, reports BritPanorama.
The hairstyle marks a significant change from the long, shaggy locks he sported recently, with online reactions praised for their enthusiasm. “From Blondecaraz to Cornrowlitos, he keeps tennis stylish & fun!” said one fan, while another remarked, “For 2 hot seconds… I thought I was looking at a young Drake.”
Fellow athletes have also joined the conversation; Matteo Berrettini exclaimed “Vaya haircut,” while Zizou Bergs described it as “Badass hair.” Chelsea player Marc Cucurella, who has adopted braids himself, echoed the sentiment with the comment “Trencitas de fantasia,” translating to “fantasy braids.”
Alcaraz is known for his bold hairstyle changes. Last year at the US Open, he arrived with a buzz cut, the result of a mishap during a haircut with his brother. “My brother misunderstood with the machine he cut it,” he explained then, providing a compelling backstory to his sudden chop.
Just days after clinching the 2025 US Open title, he adopted a platinum blonde look that earned him the nickname “Blondecaraz.” Recently, he had been letting his hair grow, resulting in long, floppy locks observed during his attendance at the World Cup final, where he watched Spain triumph over Argentina.
However, Alcaraz’s recent activities have been dictated by injury; tendon inflammation in his dominant right wrist led to his withdrawal from the clay-court season and Wimbledon, both tournaments he has previously won. At the end of April, he stated on social media, “We have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious,” expressing his determination to recover.
Recent footage has shown Alcaraz hitting forehands as he rehabilitates his wrist. He is now aiming for a return at the Cincinnati Open starting on 8 August.
This return is particularly significant, as Alcaraz will be defending his US Open title commencing on 30 August at Flushing Meadows. Success would mark his eighth Grand Slam title. He also has fond memories of Cincinnati, having won the tournament last year when Jannik Sinner retired due to illness in their match.
Whether Alcaraz will maintain his cornrows through to New York remains to be seen; however, fans are rallying for him to keep them. “The hair we need you to take to the US Open!!” commented one enthusiastic follower.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz’s 2026 schedule includes representing Team Europe at the Laver Cup before travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Six Kings Slam in October.
As Alcaraz continues to blend style with performance in the sporting arena, his evolving persona only adds layers to the narrative of an athlete marked for greatness.
