After buzz cut made the headlines, Alcaraz's game turning heads in New York

NEW YORK :Carlos Alcaraz's buzz cut was the talk of the U.S. Open when he began his quest for a second U.S. Open title, but 10 days into the year's final Grand Slam it is the Spaniard's tennis which is now turning heads in New York.

The 22-year-old generational talent is being tipped to carry the sport forward alongside world number one Jannik Sinner as a golden era for the game nears its end, with his profile now at a level where even a haircut makes the news.

The five-time Grand Slam champion eased into the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday with a straight sets win over Jiri Lehecka, a victory which he marked with his now trademark golf swing celebration to the delight of the fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I think he's probably the most exciting thing in tennis right now," American world number six Ben Shelton said.

"The way he plays, the way he interacts with the crowd, he lights up the court. His smile, he's enjoying himself out there when he's having fun.

"He's so dangerous from any position on the court. Unpredictable. It's a lot of fun to watch him, 100 per cent. I'm 100 per cent sure that the fans here in NYC are loving it."

Tickets to watch Alcaraz in action in New York are like gold dust, and even his practice sessions are packed.

Fans have been lining up in long queues just to watch him rally, often attracting larger crowds than some of the early-round matches on the outer courts at Flushing Meadows.

Early-session ticket prices at Flushing Meadows soared for Alcaraz's third-round match against Luciano Darderi, and the Spaniard was concerned about how much some of his fans were having to pay to see him.

"Tennis is also business, it's demand and supply," he said. "I'd like tickets not to be so expensive,