- Syria authorities say torched 1 million captagon pills
- Pope calls for 'arms to be silenced' across world
- 32 survivors as Azerbaijani jet crashes in Kazakhstan
- Pakistan air strikes kill 46 in Afghanistan, Kabul says
- Liverpool host Foxes, Arsenal prepare for life without Saka
- Japan FM raises 'serious concerns' over China military buildup
- Pope's sombre message in Christmas under shadow of war
- Zelensky condemns Russian 'inhumane' Christmas attack on energy grid
- Sweeping Vietnam internet law comes into force
- Pope kicks off Christmas under shadow of war
- Catholics hold muted Christmas mass in Indonesia's Sharia stronghold
- Japan's top diplomat in China to address 'challenges'
- Thousands attend Christmas charity dinner in Buenos Aires
- Demand for Japanese content booms post 'Shogun'
- As India's Bollywood shifts, stars and snappers click
- Mystery drones won't interfere with Santa's work: US tracker
- Djokovic eyes more Slam glory as Swiatek returns under doping cloud
- Australia's in-form Head confirmed fit for Boxing Day Test
- Brazilian midfielder Oscar returns to Sao Paulo
- 'Wemby' and 'Ant-Man' to make NBA Christmas debuts
- US agency focused on foreign disinformation shuts down
- On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis launches holy Jubilee year
- 'Like a dream': AFP photographer's return to Syria
- Chiefs seek top seed in holiday test for playoff-bound NFL teams
- Panamanians protest 'public enemy' Trump's canal threat
- Cyclone death toll in Mayotte rises to 39
- Ecuador vice president says Noboa seeking her 'banishment'
- Leicester boss Van Nistelrooy aware of 'bigger picture' as Liverpool await
- Syria authorities say armed groups have agreed to disband
- Maresca expects Man City to be in title hunt as he downplays Chelsea's chancs
- Man Utd boss Amorim vows to stay on course despite Rashford row
- South Africa opt for all-pace attack against Pakistan
- Guardiola adamant Man City slump not all about Haaland
- Global stocks mostly higher in thin pre-Christmas trade
- Bethlehem marks sombre Christmas under shadow of war
- NASA probe makes closest ever pass by the Sun
- 11 killed in blast at Turkey explosives plant
- Indonesia considers parole for ex-terror chiefs: official
- Global stocks mostly rise in thin pre-Christmas trade
- Postecoglou says Spurs 'need to reinforce' in transfer window
- Le Pen says days of new French govt numbered
- Global stocks mostly rise after US tech rally
- Villa boss Emery set for 'very difficult' clash with Newcastle
- Investors swoop in to save German flying taxi startup
- How Finnish youth learn to spot disinformation
- South Korean opposition postpones decision to impeach acting president
- 12 killed in blast at Turkey explosives plant
- Panama leaders past and present reject Trump's threat of Canal takeover
- Hong Kong police issue fresh bounties for activists overseas
- Saving the mysterious African manatee at Cameroon hotspot
21-Slam salute: Who said what about Nadal
Rafael Nadal on Sunday became the most successful men's Grand Slams player when a second Australian Open gave him a record 21st title, taking him one ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
AFP Sport recalls who has said what about the modest Spaniard in the past two weeks and down the years -- and what he thinks of himself:
Daniil Medvedev
Before the Australian Open final: "You know, when I was like eight, 10 years old I was playing against the wall and I was imagining that it's Rafa on the other side. Now I have the chance to play him again."
After the final: "It's tough to talk after five hours 30 and losing but I want to congratulate Rafa because what you did today, I was amazed."
Roger Federer
On Instagram after Nadal's 21st Slam win on Sunday:
"What a match. To my friend and great rival Rafael Nadal heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles.
"A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing, never underestimate a great champion. Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit and are an inspiration to me and countless other around the world. I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more as you have done for me for the past 18 years.
"I am sure you have more acheivement ahead, but for now enjoy this one."
After being defeated by Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final: "He's a fantastic player and he's going to be around for a longer time so I'm happy with every one I get before he takes them all."
After beating Nadal in five sets in the 2017 Australian Open final: "There are no draws in tennis but I would have been happy to share this trophy with Rafa tonight."
Toni Nadal
Uncle, former coach and mentor: "He's never seen a point he's not dying to win, a ball he's not willing to chase."
Nick Kyrgios
After a run-in with the Spaniard: "He's my polar opposite and he's super salty. When he wins, it's fine. He won't say anything bad, he'll credit the opponent -- 'He was a great player'. But as soon as I beat him, it's just like, he has no respect for me, my fans and no respect to the game."
Rafael Nadal
On the debate about who is the greatest of the "Big Three": "If anyone says I am better than Roger, then he doesn't know anything about tennis."
After his 2020 French Open win: "I want to send a message to everyone around the world. We are facing one of the worst moments that I think we remember in this world, facing and fighting against this virus. Just keep going, stay positive and all the very best, together probably we will go through this and we will beat the virus soon."
Denis Shapovalov
After complaining about Nadal's lack of time violations in their quarter-final last week: "I respect everything that Rafa has done and I think he's an unbelievable player. But, you know, there's got to be some boundaries, some rules set. It's just so frustrating as a player. You know, you feel like you're not just playing against the player; you're playing against the umpires."
Jim Courier
During TV commentary: "The guy two months ago didn't know if he would ever be able to play on the tour again. He and his team were so concerned about his foot and then he goes and plays an exhibition in Abu Dhabi just to get some matches and gets Covid in December. That guy is super human."
F.Pedersen--AMWN