Bollywood
Australian Open: Contrasting first-round wins for teenager Alcaraz and Shapovalov
Spanish teenager and last year’s US Open quarterfinalist Carlos Alcaraz lived up to his status as a first-time Grand Slam seed as the world No. 31 scored a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over Chilean qualifier Alejando Tabilo on Day One of the Australian Open here on Monday.
The 18-year-old Alcaraz’s first serves proved too much for the 24-year-old Tabilo, who was making his second Grand Slam main-draw appearance, as the Spaniard put his game on full display after an offseason spent on improving his skills.
“I felt really good,” said Alcaraz after the match. “I didn’t expect that this first match was going to be really good for me. I played a great level the first match of the season. Really good feelings… hope the next matches are going to be the same.”
With Alcaraz at No. 31 and Tabilo at No. 135, it was never going to be an easy job for the latter and the gap in the rankings showed as the Spaniard advanced comfortably after the pair traded early breaks.
Alcaraz went on a six-game winning streak to wrestle away control. The Spaniard built his opening-round game on intense aggression from the baseline, but he also deftly mixed well-placed returns in building the lead.
Alcaraz faced just one break point in the match, while breaking seven times in 16 chances of his own.
“I’m starting to get more comfortable on hard court than on clay courts,” said Alcaraz. “I think the most tournaments of the year are on hard court, so you have to be ready.”
Alcaraz enters the new year on the heels of a breakout year that also saw him reach the US Open quarterfinals, win his first ATP title (Umag) and break into the ATP’s top-40 for the first time. Alcaraz had started the 2021 season inside the top-150.
This season, his goals include reaching the top-15 and playing in the Nitto ATP Finals.
“It’s a really good goal for me, but so difficult as well,” he said.
With the top quarter of the Australian Open draw now missing world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz will take on Dusan Lajovic of Serbia, who defeated Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7(6), 6-1. One step further, No. 7 seed from Italy Matteo Berrettini looms as a potential third-round opponent.
Less than a fortnight after helping Canada win the ATP Cup, Denis Shapovalov survived a first-round matchup against Croatia’s Laslo Djere. After being two points away from a fifth set, the Canadian advanced in four, 7-6(3), 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3). Djere had an opportunity to serve for both the first and fourth sets, but each time the No. 14 Canadian seed denied him.
“I felt like the fourth set was slipping away from me after that set point,” Shapovalov said in his on-court interview. “But I’m very happy with the outcome.
“He did a great dob to come back from two sets to none,” Shapovalov was quoted as saying by atptour.com. “He changed his tactics, tried to go for it more and was very tricky.”
Next up for the Canadian is South Korea’s Soonwoo Kwon, who edged past Holger Rune of Denmark 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Bollywood
Dharmendra’s Fan, An Auto-Rickshaw Driver, Breaks Down Outside Actor’s Mumbai Home After His Discharge, Says ‘Admired Him Since Childhood

Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra, 89, was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday morning and will continue his treatment at home, bringing immense relief to fans who had been anxiously following his health updates. The actor, who was admitted over a week ago after complaining of breathlessness, had been under constant medical supervision for several days.
As news of his discharge spread, a large crowd of admirers gathered outside the actor’s Juhu residence today morning to catch a glimpse of their beloved ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema. Among them stood an auto-rickshaw driver, clutching a handmade poster, wiping his teary eyes and offering prayers for the actor’s recovery, a moment that perfectly captured the emotional bond between Dharmendra and his fans.
The auto driver, speaking to reporters, said with deep affection, “As soon as I heard that Dharmendra had arrived home, I immediately came here with my rickshaw. I couldn’t resist, I have admired his pictures since childhood. Even at his age, his personality is remarkable; he still swims, which is not easy. I pray for his speedy recovery.”
A video shared by paparazzi accounts earlier today showed an ambulance arriving at Dharmendra’s residence, followed by his son Bobby Deol’s car. Moments later, fans were seen cheering as word spread that the actor had safely reached home.
Dr. Pratit Samdani from Breach Candy Hospital confirmed the development, saying, “He was discharged at 7:30 am. His recovery and treatment will continue at home.” Dr. Rajiv Sharma added that Dharmendra “left fully satisfied,” and that his family had made all necessary arrangements for his continued care. “He is in stable condition,” Sharma assured.
Though the Deol family has not yet issued an official statement, sources close to the family said that Dharmendra’s condition has stabilised and he will be closely monitored by doctors at home. Messages of love and prayers have poured in across social media, with fans sharing old movie clips, heartfelt notes and pictures of the actor.
Bollywood
Dharmendra latest health update: Actor is ‘recovering and responding to treatment,’ reveals Sunny Deol’s team

Mumbai, Nov 11: According to the latest update on Dharmendra’s health, the veteran actor is ‘recovering and responding to treatment.’
When media contacted Sunny Deol’s team, they shared an update on the actor’s health, stating, “Sir is recovering and responding to treatment. Let’s all pray for his good health and long life.”
We are in constant touch with Sunny Deol’s PR team. Earlier, the team issued a clarification stating that Dharmendra continues to remain stable. They also urged everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information about the actor’s health. In an official statement, the team had shared, “Mr. Dharmendra is stable and under observation. Further comments and updates will be shared as available. Kindly don’t indulge in spreading false rumours regarding his health. Request everyone to pray for his speedy recovery and respect the family’s right to privacy.”
Meanwhile, false reports about Dharmendra’s death began circulating on social media late last night. Several celebrities and eminent political leaders fell prey to the death hoax and shared condolence messages online. However, the veteran actor’s family intervened to put an end to the rumours.
Hema Malini took to social media to strongly condemn the misinformation, calling it “unforgivable” and “highly irresponsible,” while urging media outlets to respect the family’s privacy. Esha Deol also shared a statement, assuring everyone that her father is stable and recovering well.
Hema wrote, “What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy.”
Esha Deol also shared a health update about her father, assuring that he is stable and recovering well in the hospital. “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable & recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for papas speedy recovery.” (sic)
Bollywood
Dharmendra: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Mourns Veteran Actor’s Death On X, Later Deletes Post

Veteran actor Dharmendra has been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital. On Tuesday morning, several media reports claimed that the actor breathed his last and is no more.
Around 9 am today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also confirmed his death. “Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor and former MP Shri Dharmendra ji. A versatile actor who brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity,” he wrote on X.
“His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers,” the Minister added.
However, he deleted his post minutes after posting it.
On November 10, his wife, veteran actress-politician Hema Malini, shared an update about his health, telling fans that he was being continuously monitored at the hospital. Taking to her X (formerly Twitter), Hema wrote on Monday, “I thank everyone for their concern about Dharam ji who is in hospital for observation. He is being continuously monitored and we are all with him. I request you all to pray for his welfare and speedy recovery.”
Following news of his hospitalisation, Hema was seen arriving at the hospital on Monday evening to visit her ailing husband. Shortly after, Dharmendra’s son Sunny Deol arrived with his sons, Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol. Later, Bobby Deol’s wife, Tanya Deol, also reached the hospital.
Later, Govinda, Salman Khan, Ameesha Patel and Shah Rukh Khan, along with Aryan Khan, who shares a close bond with Dharmendra, were seen rushing to the hospital to visit him.
Meanwhile, police and security guards have erected barricades outside Dharmendra’s Mumbai residence to manage the large crowds of media and fans gathering outside his home.
Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 for a routine check-up. Later, his team shared that there was absolutely no cause for concern, assuring fans that he was in good health.
“The actor is in good health and visits the hospital often for routine medical tests, which is the reason for his current stay. It seems that someone spotted him there, which has led to a frenzy among his fans, but there is nothing to be worried about as he is absolutely fine,” said the team.
Dharmendra was gearing up for the release of his new film, Ikkis, alongside Agastya Nanda, which was slated to hit theaters on December 25.
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