Ben Shelton reacts to Carlos Alcaraz's divisive new hairstyle ahead of Australian Open 2025

Ben Shelton reacted to Carlos Alcaraz's new haircut ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. The Spaniard unveiled his fresh look upon arriving in Melbourne for the season's first Grand Slam, sparking mixed reactions.

Alcaraz's barber, Victor, revealed the Spaniard's new, much shorter hairstyle on social media a few days ago. Fans, who have often been critical of the 21-yera-old's shorter haircuts in the past, expressed even stronger disapproval this time due to the reduced length.

After arriving in Melbourne and completing a practice session, the 21-year-old shared images of his new haircut in action on Instagram.

The four-time Grand Slam champion received positive comments, including one from American player Ben Shelton, who wrote:

"💇‍♂️😮‍💨"

Ben Shelton's comment on Carlos Alcaraz's post (Image: Instagram @carlitosalcarazz)

Alcaraz was last seen in action on court during exhibition matches before the 2025 season began. One of those matches was against Shelton in the iconic Madison Square Garden.

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Carlos Alcaraz defeated Ben Shelton at the Madison Square Garden during the Garden Cup exhibition event

Ben Shelton (L) and Carlos Alcaraz at The Garden Cup 2024 - Source: Getty

The Garden Cup exhibition event was held on December 4, 2024, at Madison Square Garden, featuring two singles matches. The women's match saw Jessica Pegula face Emma Navarro, while the men's match showcased Carlos Alcaraz against Ben Shelton.

The event featured several memorable moments, including one where Shelton slipped while returning a shot to Alcaraz. In a lighthearted gesture, Alcaraz walked over to Shelton's side and playfully mimicked punching him before they both got up and embraced. Alcaraz ultimately won the match 5-6, 6-2, 7-4.

During the post-match interview, Alcaraz expressed his ambition of winning the Australian Open in 2025. Having already claimed titles at the US Open, Wimbledon, and the French Open, he is now aiming to complete the Career Grand Slam.

"Well, the only Grand Slam that I miss is Australian Open, so I'll go for it. Hopefully, in 2025 I'll make it. This is a really big and important goal for me to come into the season. But it's always difficult, you know, to approach a Grand Slam," Alcaraz said.

"A lot of players who are working really hard to make it as well. But I have to put big goals on myself, on my back, and hopefully, make it in 2025."

The 2025 Australian Open will begin on Sunday, January 12. Alcaraz, who will be the third seed at the event, has not played any tournaments leading up to it. Meanwhile, Shelton will begin his new season at the ASB Classic in Auckland this week.