New Delhi, Aug. 26 -- Carlos Alcaraz showed up at the U.S. Open on Monday for his first-round match with a new look: a shaved head.

Alcaraz, who is seeded No. 2 at Flushing Meadows, caused a bit of a buzz with his buzz cut when he got to the tournament grounds before heading out to beat big-serving Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in just over two hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium at night.

The 22-year-old Spaniard's play, as is often the case, was a cut above. He made just 17 unforced errors, won 50 of 58 first-serve points, saved all three break points he faced, broke Opelka three times and improved to 19-0 in opening contests at Grand Slam tournaments.

Prior to playing, Alcaraz ran into golf star Rory McIlroy, who reached out his hand to rub ...