After his win in Dubai, with Roger Federer watching from the stands, Stan Wawrinka spoke about the level of the current generation and where he believes the sport is heading.

Wawrinka, who won Olympic doubles gold with Federer at the 2008 Beijing Games, reflected on how the game continues to evolve.

“I think the evolution of the game is, right now, the level is really high, that’s for sure,” he said. “The new generation is always going to be better than the last generation. We can see that. A little bit changed with the conditions and the balls, the tournaments being a bit slower. The game style is a little bit different. But in general, I always try to improve myself, play my best tennis, and find a way against players against me.”

Asked whether the peak of this generation could surpass the previous one, Wawrinka did not hesitate.

“Yeah, I think if you look at the level right now of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, they’ve been crazy high… crazy high level,” he said. “You have Novak Djokovic still in the fight with them. And as a fan of tennis in general, it’s amazing to watch that.”

Wawrinka added that facing the new generation has not been easy.

“I had the chance to play Jannik many times. Last few times was really tough. And hopefully I can play Carlos once before I stop playing.”

In Dubai, the Swiss veteran reminded fans of his own enduring presence, earning a win with Federer in attendance.

UFC Houston was a mixed bag of action – the prelims were boring, some of the officiating was questionable, and Sean Strickland simultaneously got just his second finish in six years – and stirred the controversy pot around him.

But if there’s one breakout fighter from the UFC Houston card, it has to go to the other performance bonus winner, Uros Medic, who knocked Geoff Neal out in quick and devastating fashion in the evening’s co-main event.

Medic was in control from the start, coming out of the gate with forward pressure while trying to back Neal up and dictate the fight early on. And all Medic needed was 79 seconds to connect with a left hand that dropped Neal, head smacking on the mat, out cold.

Taking on Neal, who was ranked No. 12 entering the fight, and winning in that devastating fashion makes this the most important win of Medic’s career so far. And he’s shown his growth since coming into the UFC off a 2020 win on Dana White’s Contender Series.

Medic originally dropped to lightweight to start his UFC run, and, as noted on the broadcast, in retrospect, it’s amazing how the 6’1” Serbian was able to drop to and compete at 155.

He moved up to welterweight in 2023, and while his run there started just 2-2, he’s now won three straight. And this is now three straight victories in the first round, following up on finishes of Gilbert Urbina and Muslik Salikhov in 2025.

The certainty of Medic’s success in the welterweight division isn’t too certain. While Medic’s stock is on the rise, Neal’s has been falling. This is now Neal’s fourth loss in his last five fights and his sixth loss in his last nine. It’s also his second straight fight losing via a harsh-looking, first-round knockout; this was his first fight since the knockout he suffered at the hands of Carlos Prates at UFC 319. Neal’s time in the rankings is certainly done, and now he might be fighting for his UFC future.

But the highlight knockout and the post-fight bonus money wasn’t all.

If a fighter is looking to make a statement with a post-fight promo, but not go over the top, Medic nailed the kind of verbiage you can look for. Making a “Houston we have a problem” reference and referring to himself as the problem of the welterweight division was perfect. Additionally, his callout of former welterweight champion Leon Edwards was bold, but a solid play with the momentum he’s got.

Medic even used his time to appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump – not about competing on the UFC White House card, but to ask for his assistance in trying to get home to Serbia.

And guess what? It worked. Backstage, Medic got to speak to President Trump, who helped to ensure Medic could return to his family in Serbia without restriction, eliminating travel difficulties.

To get the biggest win of your career, a spectacular highlight knockout, cut a solid post-fight promo, get $100,000 extra with a bonus, rub elbows (over the phone) with the U.S. President, and the President helps you back home to your family?

Yeah, that’s got to be one of the best nights of Medic’s life. Hats off to “The Doctor” and bright hopes for his next UFC outing.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss formed an unlikely alliance last year, and it has been fruitful for them. Not many expected The Queen to work side by side with another star, but she has surprised many by forming a successful team with Bliss.

However, all good things must eventually come to an end, as cracks have started to form in the friendship between Flair and Bliss. Given The Queen’s history, it’s more than likely that she would be the one to turn on Little Miss Bliss.

With Elimination Chamber coming up, now would be the perfect time for Flair to betray her partner. Let’s look at three reasons for it.

#3. The “Royal” mishap

Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair had an unfortunate accident at the Royal Rumble. During the titular women’s match, Flair eliminated Bliss. While it looked unintentional, one can never be sure when it comes to The Queen.

The mishap in Saudi Arabia has caused friction between the two. While they are still together, it might not last long. With growing tensions, now would be the perfect time for the Triple H-led creative team to have Charlotte betray Alexa.

#2. Alexa Bliss has qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match; Charlotte Flair has not

After failing to win the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair attempted to punch their WrestleMania 42 ticket by potentially winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match.

However, while Bliss successfully qualified for the gimmick match, Flair didn’t. This could escalate the tensions between them, especially if Little Miss Bliss rubs it in The Queen’s face. The natural progression of this storyline would be to have Charlotte turn on Alexa.

#1. The Queen could take her partner’s place in the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match

Charlotte Flair has a special relationship with gold, which likely trumps any other relationship she has, including the one with Alexa Bliss. With the Five Feet of Fury competing in the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match, The Queen isn’t someone who would sit on the sidelines and watch.

Flair could find a way in the match at any cost. If she has to take out her partner to make it inside the steel structure on February 28, then that’s what she will do. Jealousy would be the driving factor behind the 14-time Women’s Champion’s actions.