Carlos Alcaraz is used to mesmerizing tennis fans with his skill on the court but he gave those inside the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium another reason to stare at him on Friday.
The Spaniard set pulses racing in the rows closest to his courtside seat when he made his way over and removed his shirt after his third-round win over China’s Wu Yibing.
A sweaty Alcaraz wanted to quickly get out of his drenched shirt and into another one, lifting his Nike top and skin-tight vest off to reveal his ripped physique in the New York heat.
But a group of women sat near Alcaraz as he changed were left open mouthed as they ogled the Spanish heartthrob during his brief period of upper-body nudity.
Footage even showed one woman quickly grabbing for her phone to snap pictures of the shirtless Alcaraz before letting out an involuntary scream in excitement.
She was not the only one taking photos of the moment as a number of women around her could be seen enjoying the view and taking pictures as a souvenir.
Carlos Alcaraz went shirtless at the US Open, prompting wild reactions from female fans
Women close to Alcaraz couldn’t get their phones out quick enough to snap the Spanish hunk
The group sat next to Alcaraz’s chair were all beaming as he changed after his win on Friday
Alcaraz clearly knew what he was doing and took time to dry himself off with a towel to leave his chiseled abs exposed for as long as possible.
The Spaniard’s baggy sleeveless top has been raising eyebrows at Flushing Meadows this week as it occasionally revealed a nipple during matches.
The sight even prompted former player-turned-pundit Genie Bouchard to post on social media: ‘Love you Carlos but we’ve got to put the nip away.’
So Alcaraz fixed his malfunctioning wardrobe by wearing a skin-tight vest underneath as he beat Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 19 minutes.
Asked about his outfit change after the match, Alcaraz said: ‘Well, I think I saw my nipple too much lately. I felt like, you know, I could hide it for at least one match. I feel really comfortable with another shirt so I think I’m going to stay like that.’
He continued: ‘(The outfit) was my decision. I wouldn’t mind if I had to play again like that but if we could do something about it I think it’s good.’
The 23-year-old, back to defend his title after four months out with a wrist injury, said he has surprised himself with how well he is playing.
The Spaniard’s baggy sleeveless top has occasionally revealed a nipple during his matches
‘I think today was a really high rhythm, the way he played was unbelievable,’ he said.
‘I played aggressive, I played smart in the toughest moments which I’m really happy about. I did everything good. Could be better, but I’m proud of the performance today.
‘To be honest I’m better than I thought. I thought I would be dead after the first match, but I’m recovering really well. Right now my level is really good.’
In the fourth round, Alcaraz will play American Tommy Paul, who came through a titanic five-setter with Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik.
‘He’s going to play at home which is going to be an advantage for him,’ added Alcaraz. ‘But hopefully he will be a bit tired from today’s match.’
