New-look Alcaraz advances at Flushing Meadows

Carlos Alcaraz's haircut rather than his tennis was the talk of the US Open as the second seed eased into round two in New York.

The Spaniard arrived at Flushing Meadows on Monday ahead of his clash with Reilly Opelka looking almost unrecognisable after shaving his head.

After impressing in a 6-4 7-5 6-4 victory, Alcaraz quizzed the crowd on his new look, earning loud cheers when he said: "I've got to ask to the people if they like the new haircut or not. Do you like it guys? I think they like it."

Alcaraz’s friend and rival Frances Tiafoe did not approve, though, with the American seen behind the scenes appraising the lack of locks.

"It’s definitely terrible," said Tiafoe. "He’s my guy though. It’s funny, I looked at him and I was like, 'I guess you’re aerodynamic’. I don’t know who told him that it’s good. I don’t know who told him to do that, but it’s terrible."

In his press conference, Alcaraz revealed the real reason behind the cut, saying: "I felt like my hair was really long already, and before the tournament I just really wanted to get a haircut.

"My brother, he misunderstood with the machine. He just cut it. Then the only way to fix it is just shave it off. It’s not that bad, I guess."

There were only positive reviews, though, for Alcaraz’s performance on court as he impressively maintained his record of never having lost in the opening round of a grand slam.

Alcaraz seized his opportunities when they came on Opelka’s fearsome serve, avoiding the possible danger of tie-breaks to set up a meeting with Italian Mattia Bellucci.

After clinching victory, Alcaraz used his racket to perform a golf swing – a nod to the watching Rory McIlroy.

"Today was a really difficult one," he said. "Really tough player, tough serve. I couldn’t get the rhythm that I wanted to get but really happy with everything I’ve done today. Overall I think I did a really great performance tonight."

Jack Draper dug out a first round win

Jack Draper endured a difficult return to the US Open but battled past qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez and into the second round.

The world number five was playing his first match since a shock loss to Marin Cilic at Wimbledon more than seven weeks ago, after which he was diagnosed with bone bruising in his left arm and forced to take time away from the court.

He eventually came through in four sets against 203rd-ranked Argentinian Gomez, but it was a lot closer than he would have liked, with Draper eventually wrapping up a 6-4 7-5 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 victory after one minute over three hours.

"I wasn't too sure if I was going to make it here this year, my team did a great job," said Draper, who next faces Belgian Zizou Bergs.

"It wasn’t my finest performance but credit to my opponent, he played some outstanding tennis and I look forward to hopefully improving as the tournament goes on.

"I’m not putting too much expectations on myself. I know if I can get that level back, I’m going to be tough to be beat."

Teenage sensation Joao Fonseca notched his first US Open main-draw win, defeating Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic to extend a dream season marked by breakthrough performances at every major.

The 19-year-old Brazilian, who has won his opening match at each of his slam debuts this year, thrilled the crowd at Flushing Meadows and powered to a 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 win despite bouts of vomiting and dizziness.

"It's my first year playing all these big tournaments. My first time playing US Open main draw. I'm just loving the career on tour," Fonseca said.

"I'm very happy playing each tournament. Discovering new places, new countries. I’m enjoying a lot. I know it’s a lot of expectation and pressure at 19 years old, but I love doing what I love."

Cameron Norrie profited from the injury-induced retirement of opponent Sebastian Korda.

American Korda began to show signs of a back injury early in the contest and, after losing the second set to trail 7-5 6-4, he pulled the plug, sending Norrie through to the last 64.

The British number two was forced to miss the tournament last year because of an arm problem and will hope to pick up the momentum again following his run to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon.

Norrie was surprised to see Korda opt to shake hands – but was happy it gave him the opportunity to watch Newcastle take on Liverpool in the Premier League.

"I feel for him," said Norrie, who had lost three of their four matches. "I don't know what was going on. He’s such a talented player. I hope he’s OK."

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