The 2025 US Open is checking all the right boxes. from emphatic history-making moments to heartbreaking exits, the Flushing Meadows has come with something for all fans. But Carlos Alcaraz‘s sudden transformation is truly something to behold: The buzzcut we didn’t know we deserved, we definitely needed. Why? For the buzz, of course (see what we did there?)! Obviously, the Spaniard’s colleagues, like the fans, have plenty of suggestions of their own, and Naomi Osaka isn’t afraid to share her own!

Both Alcaraz and the Japanese WTA star stomped over their respective first-round opponents in New York to advance to the next round. And yet, despite their skills with the tennis racquet being on full display, it’s the stars’ fashion that’s gotten the fans into a frenzy. And from one expert to another, Osaka has a vision on how the 5x Grand Slam winner can take his hairdo game to the next level.

During Naomi Osaka’s post-match presser, following her win over Greet Minnen, the 4x Grand Slam champ was faced with the question of her views on Alcaraz’s new haircut. “I mean, I guess I like it. He’s switching it up. Maybe next time he should die platinum or something,” the 27-year-old told the reporters, how she’d like to see her colleague the next time. During the conversation, Osaka got to learn why the 2024 Wimbledon winner showed up like he did in New York: Because of a haircut gone awry.

After noting her exclamation, Naomi lauded Carlos for his laid-back attitude on the matter. “I mean, it’s cool that he just doesn’t care that much. Like, um, I mean, I thought he was going for like a David Beckham-like moment, but I think people like it, no?” Osaka put the reporters at the presser on the spot, who seemed to have mixed feelings about the 22-year-old’s new avatar. In return, one reporter asked the 2X US Open winner to share her feelings.

“Will his life change if I like it or not? Um, do I like it?” Osaka joked, before confessing, “I mean, I like people that do different things. So, I find everything kind of interesting if someone doesn’t do something expected. So, yeah.” Well, Naomi Osaka isn’t alone in her feelings. Maria Sharapova also admitted that she became an instant fan of Alcaraz’s new look. “I’m still fixated on the buzz cut. It’s so low maintenance, and he just went for it. That’s a bold decision,” said the newest Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, who is also commentating at the US Open.

Former star John McEnroe instead quipped that Alcaraz could have just gotten himself a haircut like that in New York for $20, instead of having his own barber on a payroll. Frances Tiafoe wasn’t big on the buzzcut, though. The American star claimed Carlos looked “terrible,” but at the same time had to admit that the absence of hair would definitely help the latter be more aerodynamic for the tournament.

But while the world was losing its sleep over Alcaraz’s haircut, Osaka wasn’t helping, either.

The US Open can’t stop going ga-ga over Naomi Osaka’s special outfit

Naomi Osaka is where the worlds of tennis and fashion often collide. Her outfits often overshadow her on-court performances, and this season hasn’t been much different. From the sunflower-inspired dress at the Australian Open to the cherry-blossom-like outfit and the sailor-moon headgear for the French Open, Osaka has come up with some truly mesmerizing clothing in 2025. Naturally, fans expected her to whip out something special for the year’s last Grand Slam, and Naomi obliged without prejudice.

At Flushing Meadows, the Japanese tennis sensation turned up in a red, flowery, and bedazzled dress that put the fans in a state of trance. As her dress caught the wind during her match against Minnen, the attendees only wanted more deets, which Osaka spilled in her post-match interview. As she revealed, the main character of her outfit was the labubu doll hanging from her kit. “This is my labubu, she’s named Billie Jean Bling. Not Billie Jean King, Billie Jean Bling,” she said with a smile, to the fans’ loud applause, highlighting that the whole drip was a nod to the American legend.

Carlos Alcaraz will next take on the Italian Mattia Bellucci in the second round, while Naomi Osaka waits to lock horns with Hailey Baptiste of the USA for her second match. Got any predictions for these matches? Share them with us in a comment! Also, keep an eye on EssentiallySports’ US Open live blog for every update you need!