Carlos Alcaraz arrived in Melbourne for the Down Under in style. The Spaniard, who hasn’t suffered a Slam deficit since his maiden US Open glory in 2022, isn’t looking to flip the script now. Instead, he wants to conquer the final frontier of his incredible young career. Before he commences his ‘Happy Slam’ campaign, Alcaraz showcased his fresh look to fans.

Young Carlitos recorded a rollercoaster of a season in 2024. While on the one hand, he added two Majors in Paris and the All England Club, on the other, he endured a sharp drop in form following his Paris Olympics gold medal match heartbreak. He went on a losing spree to lower-ranked players during the North American hardcourt swing. Nonetheless, he overcame those challenges and topped the Asian swing by lifting the China Open. However, trouble was only waiting to arrive.

The much-lamented hectic tour calendar did a number on him, and he faced the consequences at the season-ending ATP Finals. He lost the tie in the group stage event. And, days later, bid farewell to his idol Rafael Nadal in an emotional ceremony at the Davis Cup in Malaga. Poised to restore his status as the ATP world-ranking leader and replicate arch-rival Jannik Sinner‘s glorious run in 2024, or even better, Alcaraz landed in Melbourne for an exhibition event.

While he lost the grueling showdown to Aussie Alex de Minaur, fans didn’t focus on the negatives but opted to listen to Carlitos’ thoughts on his fresh haircut. During an on-court interview with Andrea Petkovic, Alcaraz said: “I discussed with my barber that when I get a haircut… three days later it’s grown out. So I have to go more often. It’s a New year. I knew I was gonna be here in Australia. 40 Degrees. It’s summer here. I thought I needed something new. I already did this haircut a few years ago and I just like it. Probably this year is gonna be a new Carlitos in style.”

Talking about the reasons behind his renewed look – the intense Melbourne heat known to inconvenience players – isn’t all he did. Alcaraz also issued a hilarious statement on his singlehood for the Melbourne fans.

Carlos Alcaraz jokes about dating possibilities after an exhibition thriller in Melbourne

Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz’s colleagues had an exciting offseason during the festive season. Many players announced their engagements, with Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter‘s ‘hot’ news topping the list. The couple decided to start a new chapter in their life four years after they confirmed their romance. Subsequently, Alcaraz was asked about his thoughts on dating following his Melbourne exhibition showcase against Minaur.

After the Aussie survived a fightback from Alcaraz 7-5 4-6 (10-5) in a little over two hours, the latter told the fans, “Who knows this year? No engagement so far, single so far. But these holidays, three or four tennis players got engaged. I thought it was my turn.” For those unaware, the Spaniard hasn’t confirmed dating anyone despite multiple rumors linking him to WTA star players like Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek.

Next up, Alcaraz will prepare for his Australian Open quest, slated to commence on January 12. He will have to be at his best if he wishes to thwart Sinner’s title defense at Melbourne Park.