Carlos Alcaraz opened his Shanghai Masters campaign with a straight-sets victory over Francisco Cerúndolo on Saturday, but it was his new facial hair and matching team aesthetic that dominated the post-match discussion.
Tokyo Bet Yields a Mustache Team in China
The unusual team appearance stems from a casual challenge issued in Japan. Alcaraz and every member of his traveling entourage agreed to grow mustaches for the ongoing Asian swing if he claimed the Tokyo title.
True to their word, Alcaraz and his staff stepped onto the grounds at the Shanghai Masters sporting matching facial hair. Juanjo Moreno, the tennis player’s physiotherapist, proposed the wager in the middle of the euphoria after claiming the championship. The victory in Tokyo held special meaning because the player from Murcia had spent five months away from competition due to an injury, a period during which he faced the doubts of recovery and worked to feel competitive again. Alcaraz wrote “Moustache team” on the camera lens after his triumph in Shanghai as a direct reference to the group accompanying him on the circuit. Carlos Alcaraz is the winner of seven Grand Slams.
Adapting to Faster Conditions at the Shanghai Masters
Beyond the aesthetic novelty, Alcaraz navigated a tricky opening encounter against Cerúndolo under entirely new environmental conditions. Rather than staying defensive, Alcaraz adjusted his tactics by increasing aggression and advancing to the net more frequently.
Alcaraz also used the occasion to debut a new sleeveless kit design, explaining to reporters that feeling comfortable in his apparel provides vital confidence when stepping onto the match court. The second seed won his match in just over an hour of play, specifically 66 minutes, while effectively using his serve and constantly pressuring his opponent. Alcaraz explained that he is letting his hair grow out because he feels it is time to mess it up and try new things, adding that there are a couple of hairstyles he has not tried yet. The world number three appeared with his usual gathered mane alongside his new facial hair, something he had not done before, and he left his signature on the camera lens to name the initiative.
Next Challenge Against Zizou Bergs in the Round of 32
With his opening hurdle cleared, Alcaraz advances to face Belgian player Zizou Bergs in the round of 32 on Monday. Infobae confirmed that Bergs secured his spot in the next round following a straight-sets win over Peru’s Ignacio Buse. Alcaraz indicated that he intends to keep the mustache for the duration of his run in Shanghai, provided his results continue to extend his stay in the tournament.
Alcaraz stated that he plans to keep the look for a week, noting that he had always wanted to step onto the court at least once with a mustache. He stated that it is fun to wear a mustache and that they will keep it for the entire tournament week if they reach the final rounds, remarking that they are laughing and simply enjoying the experience.
