Carlos Alcaraz was inspired to a first round win at the US Open by Rory McIlroy on Monday.The 2022 champion chatted with the Ryder Cup star prior to beginning his campaign at Flushing Meadows.instagram / @usopenMcIlroy was stunned by Alcaraz’s new hair as he sported a fresh look at the US Open[/caption]instagram / @usopenThe pair chatted courtside prior to the Spaniard’s first round victory on Monday[/caption]Footage of the pair in conversation showed Alcaraz explaining his dramatic new look in New York.The Spaniard is sporting a shaved head at the event having ditched his trademark fringe.It comes just days after he appeared alongside Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles with his old haircut on display.However, it was all change for his straight sets victory over Reilly Opelka.Prior to the match, McIlroy asked ‘why this?’ as he spoke to Alcaraz courtside.The 22-year-old replied by admitting: “Just got a haircut that I struggled with. I had to start fresh.”McIlroy added: “Yeah, good. I like it. It’s good. It’s a good look.”Alcaraz appeared starstruck as he responded: “It’s a big fan, here.”McIlroy himself stunned fans by shaving his head recently – in a failed attempt to hide grey hairs. Alcaraz event paid tribute to McIlroy in the crowd after his 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win over Opelka.GettyAlcaraz showed off his golf swing after securing a straight sets victory in front of McIlroy[/caption]GettyThe Masters champion was in the stands at Flushing Meadows after jetting in from the Tour Championship[/caption]Having clinched victory, Alcaraz showed off his golf swing before pointing to the Masters champion in the stands.Reflecting on meeting McIlroy, the five-time Grand Slam winner explained: “It was the first time that I met him. It was such an honour.“On the last day of the Masters I had just won Monte Carlo and I was on my phone cheering him.“It was an unbelievable experience meeting him and having a chance to talk a little bit with him. It’s just amazing to watch his golf.”McIlroy at the US OpenMcIlroy had jetted to New York for the US Open following the Tour Championship on Sunday.He was seen alongside caddie Harry Diamond after finishing tied-23rd at East Lake Golf Club. However, it meant he missed Tommy Fleetwood’s celebrations after his friend ended his wait for a maiden PGA Tour victory.As for Alcaraz, he will now be hoping to avoid another second round exit at the US Open.Last year’s tournament saw him crash out at this stage to Botic van de Zandschulp.Meanwhile, he has not made the final since his victory over Casper Ruud in 2022.Alcaraz faces Mattia Bellucci next for a place in the third round on Wednesday.The winner of that match will take on either Luciano Darderi or Eliot Spizzirri in the last 32.