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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.


Entertainment

Salman Khan’s ‘Nepotism’ Joke Steals the Show at Nephew Ayaan’s Song Launch in Dubai

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Salman Khan has never been one to hold back, and at a recent event in Dubai, he added his signature dose of humour to the oft-debated topic of nepotism in Bollywood. The superstar, fondly known as Sallubhai, was in town to launch his nephew Ayaan Agnihotri’s debut song, “Universal Laws”, and in true Salman style, he had the audience in splits with his witty remark.

As Dubai’s DJ Bliss – who hosted the event – praised the Khan family for their unwavering support for Ayaan, Salman quipped, “That’s what nepotism is!” His playful jab left everyone in the room in splits.

And as the crowd cheered, Salman officially launched the song, marking Ayaan’s much-anticipated entry into the music world.

A Star-Studded Affair

The event turned into a Bollywood reunion, with stars like Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, and other celebrities coming together to celebrate Ayaan’s big moment.

During his speech, Salman highlighted that Ayaan, the son of Atul Agnihotri and Alvira Khan Agnihotri (Salman’s sister), hails from a family of seasoned film producers. He also mentioned that Ayaan’s cousin, Alizeh Agnihotri, who recently made her Bollywood debut, shares the same film-driven lineage.

Ayaan and Salman’s Previous Collaboration

This isn’t the first time the uncle-nephew duo has joined forces. Salman and Ayaan previously worked together on the track, “You Are Mine”, where the young artist showcased his rap skills alongside the Bollywood megastar. The song, composed by Vishal Mishra, became a talking point among fans.

Salman & Sanjay Dutt Spotted in Saudi Arabia

Meanwhile, Salman is keeping busy with multiple projects. A recent video circulating on social media showed him and actor Sanjay Dutt filming on the streets of Saudi Arabia. The clip, shared by an X user, captured the two actors casually chatting with crew members.

The buzz is that Salman and Sanjay are working on a cameo appearance in the Bollywood remake of the 2021 Argentine film Seven Dogs. While details remain under wraps, fans are excited to see the duo share screen space again.

From family celebrations in Dubai to shooting in Saudi Arabia, Salman Khan is proving yet again that his star power knows no boundaries.

(Inputs from Hindustan Times, Zee News)

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India

Dubai-bound plane makes emergency landing after smoke alert

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A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Dhaka to Dubai made an emergency landing at Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in India after the pilot received a smoke alert from the aircraft’s hold. Officials later confirmed that no fire was found.

Flight BG 347, carrying 396 passengers and 12 crew members, was diverted to Nagpur on Thursday night as a precaution. The pilot, alerted by a fire alarm, immediately informed the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) and the System Operations Command Centre (SOCC). A full emergency was declared, and the flight landed safely at 10.45 pm.

The aircraft was moved to an isolation bay, where all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. Fire safety teams from the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) were deployed as per protocol. A thorough inspection of the aircraft and its cargo hold was conducted, but no signs of fire or smoke were detected.

“We deployed a team of firefighters as soon as we received the alert. Following safety protocols, necessary precautions were taken, but no fire was reported,” said Bhimrao Chandankhede, Chief Fire Officer.

To minimise disruption, Biman Bangladesh Airlines arranged an alternative flight for the passengers, ensuring they could continue their journey to Dubai later that evening.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the smoke alert as part of standard safety procedures.

(Inputs from The Indian Express)

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Business

UAE’s high-tech Dh500 note wins ‘Best Banknote’ award for 2025

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The UAE has once again set a new standard in currency innovation. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has won the Best New Banknote Issue for 2025 for its Dh500 note, securing the top spot in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

The award was announced during the High Security Printing EMEA conference in Basel, Switzerland, held in early February 2025.

A Design Rooted in Sustainability and Innovation

This newly recognised Dh500 Dirham is more than just currency—it’s a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology in banking. Crafted from polymer, the note is not only more durable and longer-lasting than traditional paper notes but also fully recyclable, reducing environmental impact.

On the front side, the note showcases the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, a symbol of the UAE’s vision for a greener future. The reverse side features the Museum of the Future, along with iconic landmarks like Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa, emphasising the UAE’s balance between heritage and progress.

Security Features & Inclusivity

With state-of-the-art security features, including 3D designs and the region’s largest surface-applied foil stripe, the banknote is among the most secure in the world. It also incorporates Braille symbols to ensure accessibility for visually impaired individuals.

Banknotes accessible to all

Speaking about the win, Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of Banking Operations & Support Services at CBUAE, said: “Winning this award is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and innovation. We are proud to lead the region in introducing banknotes with advanced security features and materials that minimise environmental impact. Additionally, our commitment to inclusivity ensures that our banknotes are accessible to everyone, with Braille symbols aiding visually impaired users.”

With this award, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in financial innovation and sustainability — one banknote at a time.

(Inputs from WAM)

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