MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Get caught up on the Australian Open with a guide that tells you everything you need to know about how to watch the year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament, what the betting odds are, what the schedule is and more:
— In the U.S.: ESPN and Tennis Channel.
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Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts after winning the first set in his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts during his semifinal match against Ben Shelton of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Alexander Zverev of Germany shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Djokovic retired from their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Iga Swiatek of Poland in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Paula Badosa of Spain in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after defeating Tommy Paul of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Ben Shelton of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Alex de Minaur of Australia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures during his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Paula Badosa of Spain celebrates after defeating Coco Gauff of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Emma Navarro of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Iga Swiatek of Poland waves after defeating Eva Lys of Germany in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Emma Navarro of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Daria Kasatkina of Russia in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alex de Minaur of Australia reacts after winning a point against Alex Michelsen of the U.S. during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after defeating Mirra Andreeva of Russia during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. warms up before a fourth round match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts during a fourth round match against Jack Draper of Britain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to supporters following his fourth round match against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Gael Monfils of France celebrates after defeating Taylor Fritz of the U.S. in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Emma Raducanu of Britain during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Marcos Giron of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after defeating Nuno Borges of Portugal in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts after defeating Leylah Fernandez of Canada in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Jannik Sinner of Italy waves after defeating Tristan Schoolkate of Australia in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Learner Tien of the U.S. celebrates after winning his second round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, in the early hours of Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a backhand return to Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Emma Raducanu of Britain celebrates after defeating Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Jaime Faria of Portugal in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after winning a point against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts after defeating Jodie Burrage of Britain in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Jannik Sinner of Italy waves after defeating Nicolas Jarry of Chile in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia waves after defeating Nishesh Basavareddy of the U.S. in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka celebrates victory with on-court presenter Jelena Dokic, following her first round match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Emma Navarro of the United States serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Russia's Daniil Medvedev reacts during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Australia's Nick Kyrgios plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Coco Gauff of the United States plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Germany's Alexander Zverev serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus kisses the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Zheng Qinwen of China in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, File)
FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, left, and Zheng Qinwen of China play as the sun sets during the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)
FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, center, holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Zheng Qinwen of China, second left, in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)
FILE - Jannik Sinner of Italy poses with the the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)
— Other countries are listed here.
Jannik Sinner had a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 win over No. 2 Alexander Zverev to claim his second consecutive Australian Open championship. The victory in the final Sunday night by the 23-year-old Italian makes him the youngest man to leave Melbourne Park with the trophy two years in a row since Jim Courier in 1992-93. Sinner has won three of the past five major tournaments, including the 2024 U.S. Open, and rose to No. 1 in the ATP rankings last June. He’s also on a career-best 21-match winning streak. The No. 2-ranked Zverev is now 0-3 in major finals. The men's final concluded the 15-day program at the year's first major. Madison Keys won her first Grand Slam singles title at age 29 on Saturday night, ending Aryna Sabalenka’s bid for a third consecutive Australian women's title. On Sunday afternoon, top-seeded Taylor Townsend of the United States and Czech star Katerina Siniakova beat Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan and Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-3 in the women’s doubles final. The French Open, the next major, starts May 19 at Roland Garros.
Let’s see if you know as much as you think you do about the Australian Open. The Associated Press has put together a quiz to test your knowledge — the faster you answer, the more points you get. Try to top the leaderboard.
Get caught up:
— Jannik Sinner beats Alexander Zverev in straight sets to retain his title
— The motivation for women's champion Madison Keys? Be brave
— It's No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the Australian Open men's final
— How did the Happy Slam become the Angry Slam?
— Madison Keys takes a new approach into her second Grand Slam final
— American Ben Shelton calls out TV interviewers handling post-match Q-and-As
— Iga Swiatek benefits from a no-call on a double-bounce against Emma Navarro
— The net detaches from the Rod Laver Arena court during Sinner's win over Rune
— Coco Gauff writes ‘RIP TikTok USA’ on a TV camera at the Australian Open
— I love it! Novak Djokovic backs Danielle Collins in her back-and-forth with Australian Open fans
— Australian Open streaming animated feeds to mimic tennis action
— A Grand Slam innovation — the courtside coaches’ boxes in Melbourne
— The Big Three is down to just Novak Djokovic
— There isn’t really any time off for tennis players during their offseason
— Jannik Sinner's doping case will have a hearing in April
The two singles champions each will receive 3.5 million Australian dollars (about $2.15 million), up from 3.15 million Australian dollars (about $1.95 million) a year ago, but still below the pre-pandemic high of 4.12 million Australian dollars ($2.55 million) in 2020.
2 — Sinner became the first man since Rafael Nadal at the French Open in 2005 and 2006 to follow up his first Grand Slam title by repeating as the champion at the same tournament a year later.
0 — Sinner is the fourth player in the last 35 years not to face a single break point in a Grand Slam final, a list that includes Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“It’s amazing to achieve these things.” — Jannik Sinner on successfully defending his Australian Open title.
“You’re the best player in the world, by far. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today, but you’re just too good. — No. 2 Alexander Zverev praising No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the trophy presentation.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts after winning the first set in his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts during his semifinal match against Ben Shelton of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Alexander Zverev of Germany shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Djokovic retired from their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Iga Swiatek of Poland in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Paula Badosa of Spain in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after defeating Tommy Paul of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Ben Shelton of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Alex de Minaur of Australia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures during his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Paula Badosa of Spain celebrates after defeating Coco Gauff of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Emma Navarro of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Iga Swiatek of Poland waves after defeating Eva Lys of Germany in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Emma Navarro of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Daria Kasatkina of Russia in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alex de Minaur of Australia reacts after winning a point against Alex Michelsen of the U.S. during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after defeating Mirra Andreeva of Russia during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. warms up before a fourth round match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts during a fourth round match against Jack Draper of Britain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to supporters following his fourth round match against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Gael Monfils of France celebrates after defeating Taylor Fritz of the U.S. in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Emma Raducanu of Britain during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Marcos Giron of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after defeating Nuno Borges of Portugal in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts after defeating Leylah Fernandez of Canada in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Jannik Sinner of Italy waves after defeating Tristan Schoolkate of Australia in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Learner Tien of the U.S. celebrates after winning his second round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, in the early hours of Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a backhand return to Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Emma Raducanu of Britain celebrates after defeating Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Jaime Faria of Portugal in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after winning a point against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts after defeating Jodie Burrage of Britain in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Jannik Sinner of Italy waves after defeating Nicolas Jarry of Chile in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia waves after defeating Nishesh Basavareddy of the U.S. in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka celebrates victory with on-court presenter Jelena Dokic, following her first round match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Emma Navarro of the United States serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Russia's Daniil Medvedev reacts during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Australia's Nick Kyrgios plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Coco Gauff of the United States plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Germany's Alexander Zverev serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus kisses the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Zheng Qinwen of China in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, File)
FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, left, and Zheng Qinwen of China play as the sun sets during the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)
FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, center, holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Zheng Qinwen of China, second left, in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)
FILE - Jannik Sinner of Italy poses with the the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Rights groups are seeking criminal charges against Greek coast guard members over a deadly 2023 migrant shipwreck, after the country’s ombudsman said there were indications that officers overlooked the danger of the boat sinking.
The Adriana, a massively overcrowded fishing trawler, had been heading from Libya to Italy with an estimated 500-750 people on board when it sank in international waters west of Pylos in western Greece in June 2023. Only 104 people survived, while 82 bodies were recovered. The rest went down with the trawler in one of the deepest parts of the Mediterranean.
An independent investigation by Greece’s ombudsman into the shipwreck concluded this week that there were “clear indications” that eight senior coast guard officers should face disciplinary action for overlooking the dangers posed by the trawler.
The coast guard, which had been notified about the boat by Italian authorities, had been shadowing the vessel for hours as it sailed in international waters but within Greece’s area of responsibility for search and rescue.
At the time, the coast guard said the Adriana's captain had insisted he did not want assistance and wanted to continue sailing to Italy. But several survivors said passengers had been calling for help repeatedly, and said that the boat capsized during an attempt by the Greek coast guard to tow it.
The ombudsman said Monday its report noted “a series of serious and reproachable omissions in the search and rescue duties by senior officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard which constitute clear indications” for establishing a case against the officers for endangering the lives of the Adriana’s passengers.
The independent body began its own investigation in November 2023 after “the direct refusal of a disciplinary investigation by the Coast Guard,” it said.
The Shipping and Island Policy Ministry, under whose jurisdiction the coast guard lies, rejected the ombudsman’s report, accusing it of “attempting to shift the conversation from the criminal smuggling networks to the members of the coast guard, who fight day and night for the protection of the country.”
It accused the report of frequently favoring versions of events that called into question the coast guard’s actions “without the slightest credible evidence.”
“At a time when irregular migration is causing global concern, the government remains steadfastly committed to a strict but fair policy of guarding the country’s borders,” the statement said.
Rights groups hailed the ombudsman’s report, and blasted the government’s reaction. The ministry’s statement “is a monument of hypocrisy but also a confession it will continue to cover up the crime,” said the Movement United Against Racism and the Fascist Threat, or KEERFA. The group organized a protest rally late Thursday outside a naval court in the Greece's main port city of Piraeus. Demonstrators, many from the Pakistani migrant community in Greece, held up a large banner displaying numerous photographs of victims of the shipwreck, along with images of their identification documents.
Lawyers representing some of the survivors filed a request with the Piraeus naval court in December seeking criminal charges to be brought against members of the search and rescue operation.
FILE - This undated handout image provided by Greece's coast guard on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, shows scores of people on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. (Hellenic Coast Guard via AP, File)
Survivors and other members of the Pakistani community in Greece hold a banner with pictures of victims of one of the worst migrant boat tragedies during a protest by the Movement United Against Racism and the Fascist Threat, or KEERFA, outside the naval court in Piraeus, near Athens, on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)