US Open: Carlos Alcaraz corrects Nipplegate, returns attention to tennis

Carlos Alcaraz had plenty to smile about at the US Open this year. He’s back on the court after more than four months with a wrist injury, making it to the fourth round and looking increasingly comfortable with each outing.

However, there was one rather unusual problem following the defending champion around Flushing Meadows: his nipples.

Alcaraz’s loose brown Nike tank top, part of a Travis Scott/Cactus Jack collaboration, has been one of the highlights of his first two matches at the US Open. The sleeveless outfit kept slipping during the bodysuit, revealing more of the Spaniard’s chest than he probably intended.

Of course, the Internet had something to say.

Even former WTA player Eugenie Bouchard got in on the fun, jokingly telling the seven-time Grand Slam champion to “shut up.”

However, by the time Alcaraz entered Arthur Ashe Stadium for his third-round match against China’s Wu Yibing on Friday, the outfit had undergone a small but noticeable change.

The brown tank top was still there, but Alcaraz added a white tank top underneath.

And after his 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Wu, the 23-year-old revealed a surprisingly simple reason for the change.

“Well, I guess I’ve been seeing too much of my nipples lately,” Alcaraz said with a laugh. “I thought I could cover them in today’s game.

Not even Nike intervened.

Alcaraz made it clear that the decision to add another layer was entirely his.

“No, it was my decision,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind playing like that again, but if we can solve it that way, it was good.”

Looks like the tank top is here to stay.

“I feel really comfortable with the next shirt. So I think I’ll stay that way,” added Alcaraz.

US OPEN: ALCARAZ RACES TO ROUND 4

The clothing saga provided a lighter undertone to what was otherwise a serious comeback for the Spaniard.

Alcaraz arrived in New York after spending more than four months on the sidelines with a wrist injury, with questions about how quickly he would be able to rediscover his rhythm after such a long layoff.

So far, the response has been encouraging.

The defending champion dropped just one set in his first three matches and produced another dominant performance against Wu, who never faced a break point as he reached the fourth round.

“After four months without competition … when you play an official match with nerves and everything, the day after or right after, your body can feel really tight,” Alcaraz said.

“It didn’t happen to me and I feel better and better after every game. I feel like I’ve been racing the whole time. I’ve surprised myself how I recover after every game.”

ALCARAZ FACE TOMMY PAUL

Alcaraz will now face American 20th seed Tommy Paul in the fourth round. Paul earned his place in the last sixteen by defeating Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-3.

The American is a familiar opponent for Alcaraz, having lost his last five bouts against the Spaniard.

“He’s a really talented player, really hard to play against,” Alcaraz said. “I think he’s really dangerous for everyone on the tour. I’m really looking forward to playing him again.”

So far, Alcaraz’s return to the US Open is going exactly as planned. The tennis is getting sharper, the wrists are holding, and after a few matches of unwanted exposure, the nipple situation seems to be resolved as well.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

05 Sep 2026 10:02 IST