Carlos Alcaraz makes a promise with his team after Tokyo triumph — and his moustache proves it

Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 20:30

Carlos Alcaraz at Tokyo Open hitting ball

Carlos Alcaraz has brought a new look to the Shanghai Masters, and there is a surprisingly simple story behind it. The Spaniard has arrived in China sporting a moustache, but it is not a permanent style change. Instead, it is the result of a promise he made with his team before winning the Japan Open, turning his latest appearance into a collective joke.

The agreement was straightforward: if Alcaraz won the title in Tokyo, everyone in his team would grow a moustache. After successfully defending his crown, the 23-year-old arrived in Shanghai ready to honour the bet, with several members of his entourage following his lead.

The new look quickly became a talking point during his opening match, particularly after Alcaraz signed the television camera alongside the message associated with his moustache-wearing team. The Spaniard was happy to explain the story after defeating Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 6-3 to begin his Shanghai campaign.

It is another example of Alcaraz's willingness to have fun with his image away from the court. From experimenting with his hairstyle to wearing distinctive tennis outfits, the former world No. 1 has never been afraid to express his personality through his appearance.

Alcaraz explains his moustache promise

Asked whether the moustache would stay for the remainder of his Shanghai campaign, Alcaraz confirmed that the new look was intended to last for the week. He also explained that it was something he had wanted to try for a while.

“Well, yeah, it's going to stay. It's going to stay for a week," the world No. 3 said. "I always wanted to step on the court at least once with the moustache.”

The idea became a team challenge before his trip to Japan, with everyone agreeing to participate if Alcaraz managed to win the tournament. He duly defended his title in Tokyo, meaning the rest of his entourage had to follow through as well.

“Before Tokyo, it was like, all right, if I win the tournament, we all have to do the moustache. I'm playing Shanghai with the moustache. So I think it's going to be fun.”

The Spaniard made clear that the change is not being treated too seriously. For him and his team, it is simply a way to enjoy the tour together during a demanding part of the season. “We're laughing around. We're just having fun with it. So it came to stay.”

Alcaraz's appearance has often attracted attention alongside his tennis. His changing hairstyles and distinctive on-court outfits have become part of his public image, but this time the moustache has a more personal explanation: it is a shared joke with the people who travel with him.

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A new look as Alcaraz adjusts to Shanghai

The moustache has provided a light-hearted talking point, but Alcaraz also had to make tactical adjustments during his first match in Shanghai. The Spaniard admitted that moving forward more frequently was not part of his original plan, but became a solution when he struggled to find his rhythm against Cerundolo.

“To be honest, it wasn't the plan at the beginning. I mean, I tried to be ready, tried to get used to the conditions here," the 7-time Grand Slam champion explained. “I think I started not very well, not getting the rhythm, not reading his serve. So I tried to do something different.”

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The victory gives Alcaraz a solid start at a tournament where he is looking to go beyond his previous best result, a quarterfinal appearance in 2024. But for now, the moustache is likely to remain one of the most noticeable features of his Shanghai campaign.

Asked if the new look would last, Alcaraz had already given his answer: it will stay for a week. His team's promise has been fulfilled, and the Spaniard seems determined to enjoy the experience as much as possible.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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