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Nick Kyrgios Fires Back at Mahut in Explosive Tennis Comeback

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Adapted from an exclusive with Telecom Asia Sports

Abu Dhabi, December 20, 2024 – Nick Kyrgios is back, and he’s not holding back. After a hard fought defeat in his match against Andrey Rublev at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, the Australian tennis star hit out at former doubles World No. 1 Nicolas Mahut amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Kyrgios’ comments about Jannik Sinner, the current world No. 1.

The drama began after Kyrgios, never one to mince words, expressed his desire to face Sinner at the upcoming Australian Open, vowing to turn the crowd against the Italian. Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, Kyrgios said: “Let’s be honest, I just want to go out there and I really want to play Sinner. If I played him in the Australian Open, I’d get every person in the crowd to get on him. It would turn into an absolute riot. All respect would go out the window, and I would just do anything to win.”

Kyrgios’ comments came in the wake of Sinner’s doping controversy earlier this year, where the Italian tested positive for the banned substance clostebol. While Sinner was ultimately cleared of any fault by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the case remains under appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Kyrgios has been vocal about his disapproval of the ruling, previously calling for Sinner to be banned.

Mahut, a former doubles World No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, publicly condemned Kyrgios for what he deemed unnecessary and disrespectful remarks. Speaking to Eurosport, Mahut said: “I don’t like these kinds of statements. Kyrgios gave his opinion about Sinner’s positive tests, which is fine, but to let it escalate like this? Sinner has never disrespected anyone, and he’s the No. 1 in the world. There’s no need to let yourself go like this.” Mahut also dismissed Kyrgios’ chances of defeating Sinner, predicting, “Even if the crowd gets excited, Sinner will win that match easily with 6-3s.”

In an interview following his match at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, Kyrgios responded to Mahut’s criticism with characteristic bluntness. Speaking exclusively to Telecom Asia Sports, he remarked: “I don’t know if there’s a back-and-forth. Nicolas Mahut, on a global level, hasn’t made inroads like I have, so I’ll let that be. And I don’t think the world necessarily cares too much about what Nicolas Mahut has to say.”

The 29-year-old, returning to the court after over a year recovering from wrist reconstruction surgery, also addressed his ability to compete at the highest level. “I wasn’t retiring. Trust me, I was two sets away from winning a Grand Slam. I didn’t retire; I was forced to stop playing for a while. It was very, very hard because I was playing the best tennis of my life,” Kyrgios told Telecom Asia Sports. “It’s been about 16 months since my surgery, and I’ve done everything the right way—no shortcuts, just rehab and hard work. I’ve put myself in the best position I can, and now I’ll let my tennis do the talking.”

Kyrgios didn’t shy away from addressing Mahut’s criticism of his confidence, saying: “I have people like Mahut telling me to be realistic. He was an amazing doubles player, a Grand Slam champion, no doubt, but he didn’t have the singles career I’ve had. That’s probably why he has his opinion. But on the singles court, he never had the belief I have, so that opinion means nothing to me.” He added, “Federer, Nadal, Djokovic—they were the greatest because people were defeated before they even stepped on the court with them. I don’t want to be that player. I’ll always back my ability and my belief.”

While Kyrgios acknowledged the current dominance of players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, he remained defiant. “There’s no doubt that Sinner, Alcaraz—these guys are the best in the world right now, hands down. But that doesn’t mean I won’t believe in myself. I’ll always back myself and do everything I can to compete,” he stated.

Kyrgios is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Australian Open in January, marking his first appearance at his home Grand Slam in three years. He will also partner with Novak Djokovic in the doubles draw at the Brisbane International, a pairing that has already created buzz in the tennis world.

As Kyrgios reenters the spotlight, one thing is clear—his unfiltered approach and unwavering confidence continue to make him one of tennis’ most polarizing and fascinating figures. Whether or not he faces Sinner, Kyrgios has made it clear that he’s ready to fight for his place among the game’s elite.


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Sharjah introduces new traffic rule: Dedicated lanes for bikes, buses and heavy vehicles from November 1

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Motorists in Sharjah, take note: starting November 1, new lane rules will come into effect across the emirate’s major and secondary roads.

In cooperation with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), the Sharjah Police General Command has announced that specific lanes will now be designated for motorcycles, delivery bikes, heavy vehicles, and buses. The move is aimed at improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and making better use of the emirate’s road network.

According to police officials, the rightmost lane on all main roads will be reserved for heavy goods vehicles and buses.

  • On four-lane roads, motorcycles can use the third and fourth lanes on the right.
  • On three-lane roads, they can ride in the middle or right-hand lane.
  • On two-lane roads, they must stay in the right lane only.

To ensure compliance, smart radars, cameras, and patrols will monitor vehicles around the clock. Any violations will be penalised according to the Federal Traffic Law:

  • Article 8: Dh1,500 fine and 12 black points for heavy vehicles not keeping to mandatory lanes.
  • Article 70: Dh500 fine for failure to follow traffic signs or instructions.

The Sharjah Police urged all drivers and riders to follow the new rules and use the lanes designated for their vehicle type. Officials said the regulation is part of broader efforts to promote road safety, reduce congestion, and improve overall quality of life in Sharjah.

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UAE urges 2026 Hajj pilgrims to follow health rules for a safe journey

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With preparations underway for Hajj 2026, UAE authorities have issued a reminder for all pilgrims to strictly follow the health and safety requirements set by both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf UAE) emphasised that the well-being of pilgrims remains a top national priority, ensuring every journey to the holy sites is safe, organised, and spiritually fulfilling.

Health Requirements for Hajj 2026

Pilgrims must be medically fit to perform Hajj and free from certain conditions that could pose risks during the pilgrimage. Those with the following health issues will not be cleared to travel:

  • Major organ failure or any physical condition preventing Hajj rituals
  • Neurological or psychological disorders affecting cognition
  • Old age accompanied by dementia
  • Pregnancy during the last three months
  • Active infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or hemorrhagic fevers
  • Active cancer cases undergoing chemotherapy or similar treatments

Mandatory Vaccinations

All pilgrims are required to complete their immunisations well before Hajj, including:

  • Meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccines
  • Covid 19 and other recommended vaccines based on individual health conditions

Awqaf UAE confirmed it will review the results of all medical examinations in coordination with the country’s health authorities to ensure each pilgrim meets the approved standards.

Record Number of Applicants

This year saw an impressive 72,000 applications submitted via the official Awqaf UAE app and website before the October 9 deadline. The authority has already begun reviewing applications, and those who receive preliminary approval will be contacted directly to complete their final registration within the specified timelines.

The UAE has called on all pilgrims to fully comply with the health guidelines issued by both countries, ensuring that Hajj 2026 is performed in a safe, healthy, and spiritually enriching environment.

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Own a piece of Dubai: RTA launches exclusive online auction for special number plates

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Car enthusiasts, here’s your chance to turn heads on Dubai’s roads. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced its 81st online auction, offering 300 exclusive vehicle plate codes, and these aren’t your average numbers.

The limited collection includes three, four, and five-digit plates from coveted series such as A, B, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z. Both private and classic car owners can take part in this high-demand auction.

When and how to join the bidding:

  • Registration opens: Monday, October 27
  • Bidding starts: Monday, November 3, and runs for five days
  • Where: Online via the RTA website or mobile app

To participate, bidders must have an active traffic file in Dubai and submit a Dh5,000 security cheque payable to the RTA, along with a non-refundable participation fee of Dh120. Payments can be made online or at RTA Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Al Barsha, or Deira.

Winners must complete payment within 10 working days after the auction ends. Cash payments are accepted up to Dh50,000, while larger amounts can be paid by certified cheque or credit card, either online or at RTA service centres.

And yes, all plate sales are subject to 5% VAT.

Whether you’re after a lucky number, a personalised plate, or simply want to make your ride stand out, this auction is your ticket to owning a little slice of Dubai style.

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