Carlos Alcaraz's US Open Style Evolution: From Tank Top to Undershirt

NEW YORK – Carlos Alcaraz arrived on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sept 4 with the same heavy forehand, the same swagger – and a little more fabric.

The defending US Open champion’s headline-making Travis Scott x Cactus Jack Nike tank top, a loose brown number that had been sliding all over the place in his first two matches, came with a new accessory in round three: a white undershirt. The tennis stayed sharp. The wardrobe went modest.

“I think I’ve been seeing too much of my nipples lately,” Alcaraz said, laughing, after cruising past China’s Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.

The tank had become one of the early talking points of the tournament. On a fortnight where outfits across both draws have grabbed almost as many eyeballs as the scorelines, Alcaraz’s top kept slipping wide to expose his chest, spawning memes and jokes across social media. Former WTA Tour player Eugenie Bouchard joined in, telling him online to “put the nip away.”

This time, he did.

The Spaniard walked into Ashe in the familiar brown kit, but the crisp white layer underneath signalled a small but decisive change. No stylist, no sponsor directive, he insisted. Just his call.

“I feel really comfortable with another shirt. So I think I’m going to stay like that,” the 23-year-old said, making it clear the undershirt is likely to be a permanent part of his New York look.

What hasn’t changed is the level. Returning from more than four months out with a wrist injury, Alcaraz has slipped smoothly back into Grand Slam rhythm at Flushing Meadows. Through three rounds, he has dropped only one set, playing with the kind of controlled aggression that once again makes him a central figure in the title conversation.

Wu, a dangerous shot-maker when he finds his range, never got close to unsettling him. Alcaraz dictated from the back of the court, mixed in his variety, and shut the door quickly in the third set to finish the job in straight sets.

Next Challenge

Now comes a familiar obstacle with a very different energy: American 20th seed Tommy Paul.

Alcaraz has beaten Paul five times in a row, a streak that underlines both his tactical edge and his mental grip on the matchup. Still, he offered nothing but respect.

“He’s a really talented player, really difficult one to play,” Alcaraz said. “I think he’s really dangerous for everyone on the tour. I’m really looking forward to playing him once again.”

The tennis world will be watching that rivalry resume under the Ashe lights. This time, though, there’s one subplot that should be settled before the first ball is struck.

The forehand will be unleashed. The movement will be electric. And, by Alcaraz’s own decision, the nipples will stay firmly under wraps.