It’s been a dramatic week on tour, with events in the Middle East casting a shadow over the tennis world and leaving players stranded across the region. From Tennis Weekly HQ, Joel, Kim and Chris unpack what it means for the sport (and the schedule) — and ask the bigger question: in the grand scheme of things, does tennis even matter? On court, it’s full steam ahead to Indian Wells as we dive into the men’s and women’s draws, lock in our champion predictions, tip our dark horses (yes, Marin Cilic gets a mention), and boldly flag the early exits — including a certain prediction involving Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari that may age horribly.

We also debate Emma Raducanu’s reunion with Mark Petchey — smart reset or a backwards step, as Tim Henman suggests? — and analyse Carlos Alcaraz’s surprise mullet era, because no big tournament is complete without a bold new barnet. Plus, Laureus Awards chatter as Sinner, Alcaraz and Sabalenka headline the nominations for tennis, but Joao Fonseca’s Breakthrough nod raises eyebrows at HQ. And we round up the week’s champions: Medvedev in Dubai, Cobolli in Acapulco, Bucsa’s double delight in Merida — and yes, Kim’s Mastermind appearance (spoiler alert: her specialist subject was not Rafael Nadal!).

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The unbeaten streak rolls on! It’s been another action-packed week across the ATP and WTA Tours, so join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they break down all the biggest stories from around the tennis world. Carlos Alcaraz continues his sensational start to the 2026 season, delivering a ruthless performance in yet another final to extend his undefeated run — leaving us all asking the same question: just how long can he stay unbeaten? And more importantly… is there anyone capable of stopping him?! It was a tougher week for Jannik Sinner, stunned by rising star and Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik. Joel asks whether Mensik could be the man ready to disrupt the emerging Sincaraz dominance — alongside the ever-present Novak Djokovic — at the very top of the men’s game. Elsewhere, there were title celebrations for Tomas Etcheverry in Rio and Sebi Korda at Del Ray Beach.

Over on the WTA Tour, Jessica Pegula powered her way to a fourth WTA 1000 title in Dubai, spearheading an impressive American showing in the desert — despite the absence of several big names. We also dive into the growing speculation surrounding Emma Raducanu’s potential sponsorship switch from Nike to Uniqlo, and wonder whether tournaments in Acapulco and Mérida should proceed amid ongoing cartel violence in Mexico. Plus, we look ahead to the week’s action as Jack Draper makes his long-awaited return to the tour in Dubai, while Venus Williams steps back onto court in Austin fresh from receiving a pair of Indian Wells wildcards.

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REVIEWS

***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!***

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Ben Shelton saved championship points in a full-throttle all-American showdown against Taylor Fritz in Dallas whilst Alex de Minaur triumphed at the third time of asking in Rotterdam. The trio ask each other whether they are Team Fritz or Team Shelton and is de Minaur the tour’s most consistent player outside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Elsewhere, we get excited about Jack Pinnington Jones’ breakthrough ATP run, Daniil Medvedev’s latest tirade saying the tennis balls aren’t round (classic!) and rumours of David Nalbandian joining Grigor Dimitrov’s coaching team. Just don’t talk to us about Jack Draper’s new haircut…

On the WTA tour it was Karolina Muchova magic in the Middle East! It’s been a captivating week on the ATP and WTA Tours with epic finals, teenage sensations… and dodgy barnets. Join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they dig into Doha where Karolina Muchova *finally* ended her seven-year title drought against teenage sensation Victoria Mboko who is now into the Top 10. The gang debate has she stolen the top teen title away from Mirra Andreeva? And can Karolina Muchova make good on her talent and win a Grand Slam title?

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Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com.

MERCH

Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!

REVIEWS

***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.