Ep 16 - Medvedev Wins Without Playing, Cobolli’s Hard-Court Breakthrough, Indian Wells Bracket Watch

Big couple of weeks in tennis and we’re back with the headlines, results, and the unfiltered takes. Medvedev “wins” Dubai in walkover madness before travel chaos leaves players stranded. Cobolli grabs a huge Acapulco title (and his first on hard courts), while Cristina Bucsa breaks through in Merida with a singles + doubles sweep. Then we preview Indian Wells on both tours, run Buy/Sell, and finish with Battle of the Spuds + a WTA-special Who Am I?In This EpisodeDubai 500 (ATP)Daniil Medvedev claims a second Dubai title via walkoverTallon Griekspoor withdraws pre-final with a left hamstring injury (suffered in the semi vs Rublev)Medvedev didn’t drop a set all week, including a semi win over top seed Felix Auger-AliassimePost-trophy chaos: airspace closures leave players stranded in Dubai, throwing Indian Wells prep into doubtAcapulco 500 (ATP)Flavio Cobolli def. Frances Tiafoe 7-6(4), 6-4Cobolli’s first hard-court title and third ATP crown10 aces, clutch tiebreak comeback, and a late break to seal itBig ranking move: projected Top 15 debutMerida Open (WTA 250)Cristina Bucsa wins her first WTA singles title: def. Magdalena Frech 6-1, 4-6, 6-4First career Top 10 win (upset Jasmine Paolini in the semis)Doubles sweep as well with Jiang XinyuProjected career-high ranking around No. 31🔮 Indian Wells Preview (Starts Wednesday)ATPTop half collision course: Alcaraz, Djokovic, and defending champ Jack DraperBottom half anchor: Jannik Sinner chasing his first IW title (travelling with only Darren Cahill)If seeds hold: Sinner projected QF vs Ben SheltonTravel chaos from Dubai could blow open sections of the drawWTAWorld No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka headlines the top halfPossible Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka (2018 champ) storylineSwiatek projected path includes a potential QF vs defending champ Mirra AndreevaVenus Williams returns with a main-draw wildcardBuy / SellWho are we buying? Who are we selling?Adrian’s picks + Chris’ picksUpdated leaderboard check (22 Feb 2026 snapshot)GamesBattle of the SpudsWho Am I? (WTA Special)