Jannik Sinner reacts to drastic Carlos Alcaraz change dividing players at US Open

There have been plenty of storylines coming into this year's US Open. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are locked in a battle for the world No. 1 ranking, Aryna Sabalenka is looking to defend her crown, Novak Djokovic wants to win a record 25th Major title. But one story has swept through the tournament, leaving players divided. Alcaraz's new haircut.

The world No. 2 turned up to a practice session on Monday with his head shaved, and he rocked the buzzcut during his first-round win over Reilly Opelka. Not everyone is a fan, however, as Frances Tiafoe said the trim was "terrible". And Alcaraz's biggest rival has now had his say.

Sinner and Alcaraz have formed a fierce rivalry. They've split the last seven Grand Slam tournaments and contested some thrilling finals. So the world No. 1 had to weigh in on the Spaniard's new look.

After his opening match, Alcaraz explained that he was forced to shave off his hair when his brother tried and failed to give him a haircut. At the rate his hair grows, he knows it'll look different in a matter of days - and Sinner agrees.

The defending champion appeared on ESPN after breezing past Vit Kopriva in his opening match on Tuesday and was asked whether he'd ever copy Alcaraz's buzzcut.

"No. But look, for him, everything looks good. If it's longer or even if it's very short," Sinner replied.

While Alcaraz enjoys switching up his look, the Italian has never made any drastic changes. And he believes he would be unrecognisable to his fans if he got the clippers out.

"Well, the good thing is they would not even recognise me. I have a huge amount of hair," he joked. "You will see, in three days, [Alcaraz's] hair will be back very fast."

The reigning US Open champion doubled down in his post-match press conference, adding: "Honestly, I think everything suits him, you know.

But it grows very fast, so it's going to be all aligned in two days. But it suits him. Even like this, it looks good. Even when he has longer hair, it suits. So, yeah."

Sinner isn't the only one who likes Alcaraz's bold new look. British No. 1 Jack Draper declared: "I love it. I love it. Maybe I will get one at some point."

Tiafoe, who was one of the first players to see Alcaraz's fresh trim when they met in the locker room, wasn't a fan. "I mean, it's definitely terrible. He's my guy though. It's funny," he said.

But the world No. 2 wasn't having it. "Frances is lying. Frances is lying. No, come on. Yeah, I saw the video. He showed up here saying that it is terrible," Alcaraz laughed.

"I know he's lying. I know he likes the haircut. He likes it. He told me. So no, not hearing anything about coming from his mouth."

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