Carlos Alcaraz unveiled a striking new hairstyle before giving towering Reilly Opelka the chop at the US Open on Monday.

The 22-year-old arrived on Arthur Ashe Stadium sporting a severe military-style crew cut for his night match with the American.

While Alcaraz's new look failed to impress some -- close friend and fellow player Frances Tiafoe called it "terrible" -- it did not distract the streamlined Spaniard from the task at hand as he motored to a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 first-round victory over the 6ft 11in Opelka.

Alcaraz could not hide his delight with his performance against his big-serving opponent.

"Today was a really difficult one," Alcaraz said.

"Reilly is a great, tough player. I couldn't get the rhythm that I wanted to get but I'm just really happy with what I did today. I did a g

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