Carlos Alcaraz Is Returning to the 2026 US Open Without Expectations

Despite the growing attention paid to what he wears on court—and on his head—Carlos Alcaraz keeps his fashion philosophy simple: Feel good, look good, and get on with the match. “I don’t want to think too much about [fashion],” he tells ELLE ahead of the 2026 US Open. “If I feel comfortable and I like how I look when I walk onto the court, that’s enough for me.”

After four months off with a wrist injury, Alcaraz is poised to return to the year’s final Grand Slam with plenty of talk surrounding him. Like his anything-goes playing style, the athlete’s approach to everything beyond the court is equally personality-driven. This year, the bulk of the conversation has centered on his long, bouncy hair held back with a headband—a sharp contrast to the surprise buzzcut and then bleach-blond look he sported during last year’s tournament.

Earlier this week, Alcaraz teamed up with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles competition. The duo bowed out in the quarterfinals, but the appearance proved there are few stars who can generate as much excitement as Alcaraz.

On Thursday evening, just hours after the draw confirmed his first-round match against Roman Safiullin, the Spaniard headed down to the DUMBO archway where Evian celebrated its 200-year anniversary alongside the likes of Frances Tiafoe and Jeff Koons. For four decades, Evian has partnered with the US Open—and for Alcaraz, it’s a familiar source of hydration between points and beyond.

As Alcaraz prepares to return to the singles court, he spoke to ELLE about fashion, hair, and finding his rhythm in New York.

What does it mean to return to competition at the US Open?

It means a lot. It has been a long few months, and of course I missed competing a lot. I worked really hard every day to come back in the right way, without rushing anything. To finally be back on court, especially here in New York where I have so many great memories, is really special. Right now I just want to enjoy competing again and take it one match at a time.

How do you feel heading into the tournament?

I feel good and honestly just really excited to be back. Of course, the preparation has been different because I haven’t competed for more than four months. So my focus has been a lot on getting the confidence back in my body, finding my rhythm again, and feeling comfortable on court. I’m trying not to put too many expectations on myself. I just want to compete, enjoy being back, and see how I feel match by match.

You teamed up with Serena Williams for the mixed doubles competition this week. What was it like sharing the court with someone whose career has had such an impact on the sport?

It was amazing. Honestly, I was really nervous at the beginning. Playing with Serena, on Arthur Ashe, with the stadium full, there were a lot of emotions. She is a legend of our sport and someone I grew up watching, so to actually be on the same side of the court with her was really special. But she made everything very easy and we had a lot of fun. It’s something I will remember for a long time.

Who was calling the shots out there—you or Serena?

When Serena tells you something on a tennis court, you listen. I was just trying to do my part.

Did you have a strategy going in or were you figuring out your chemistry as you played?

We talked about a few things before the match, but I think a lot of it was just about feeling each other out on court. Mixed doubles is very different and obviously we don’t play together every week. The most important thing was communicating, enjoying it, and helping each other. I think the more we played, the more comfortable we felt together.

Evian’s 200-year celebration centers on the phrase “Live Young.” What does living young mean to you right now?

For me, living young is about enjoying what you’re doing, staying curious, and keeping that excitement for new things. I think that’s really important in tennis but also away from the court. [Evian] has so much history, but it still wants to keep moving forward. I think I can relate to that. I’m very proud of where I come from and everything that has brought me here, but I’m also always trying to improve, experience new things, and enjoy the journey.

What fuels you before and during a match?​

Evian to keep me hydrated on and off the court, always. Beyond that, I think a lot of it comes from the competition itself. I love competing, and I love the feeling of being on court, especially when there is a great atmosphere. The crowd gives me a lot of energy. And when I’m enjoying myself and smiling on court, that’s normally when I play my best tennis.

Your hair has been a topic of discussion at the US Open over the past couple of years. Do you enjoy using your hairstyle as another way to express your personality on the court?

Honestly, I don’t think about my hair that much! Last year everyone was talking about the haircut because my brother made a little mistake with the machine and we had to shave everything. So I learned that whatever I do with my hair here, people are probably going to talk about it! I just try to have fun with it. Hair grows; you can change it, so I don’t take it too seriously.

How would you describe your current haircut?

Longer than last year. I just wanted to let it grow and try something different. Right now I like having it a little longer and using the headband when I play. We’ll see how long it lasts.

Walk us through your court look this year. It seems to take cues from basketball culture, including the blue-and-orange color palette. Is that a shout-out to the Knicks?

I definitely see the basketball inspiration in the outfit and I really like it. The sleeveless top, the details, and the fit feel a little different from a traditional tennis look. But I can’t say it’s a Knicks shout-out. I just really liked the design when I saw it. I like wearing something on court that feels comfortable but also has some personality. New York is also the perfect place to have a little more fun with what you wear.

How would you describe your approach to fashion on the tennis court?

First, it has to feel good when I’m playing. That’s always the most important thing. But I also like having some personality with what I wear. I’m still young, so I like trying different things, different colors, and different looks.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.