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Thousands protest Serbia's deal with the European Union to excavate lithium

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Thousands protest Serbia's deal with the European Union to excavate lithium
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Thousands protest Serbia's deal with the European Union to excavate lithium

2024-07-30 10:16 Last Updated At:10:22

SABAC, Serbia (AP) — Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia on Monday to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union.

The protests were held simultaneously in the western town of Sabac and the central towns of Kraljevo, Arandjelovac, Ljig and Barajevo. They followed similar gatherings in other Serbian towns in recent weeks.

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A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman with drawn four Cyrillic letters for "S" on the Serbian cross, meaning: ''Only Unity Saves the Serb'' demonstrates during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman with drawn four Cyrillic letters for "S" on the Serbian cross, meaning: ''Only Unity Saves the Serb'' demonstrates during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man wearing a traditional Serbian hat with Palestinian flag and badge reads: "We don't give Jadar (area with lithium)!" attends a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man wearing a traditional Serbian hat with Palestinian flag and badge reads: "We don't give Jadar (area with lithium)!" attends a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman demonstrates during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman demonstrates during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A girl reacts during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A girl reacts during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man wearing a mask attends a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man wearing a mask attends a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man holds an old Yugoslav Communists' flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man holds an old Yugoslav Communists' flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Two woman take a selfie in front of a podium prior to a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Two woman take a selfie in front of a podium prior to a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

The deal reached earlier this month on “critical raw materials" could reduce Europe’s dependency on China and push Serbia, which has close ties to Russia and China, closer to the EU. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended the summit in Belgrade.

The deal, however, has been fiercely criticized by environmentalists and opposition groups in Serbia who argue it would cause irreversible damage to the environment while bringing little benefit to its citizens.

The biggest lithium reserve in Serbia lies in a western valley that is rich in fertile land and water. Multinational Rio Tinto company had started an exploration project in the area several years ago which sparked huge opposition, forcing its suspension.

Earlier this month, however, Serbia’s constitutional court overturned the government 's previous decision to cancel a $2.4 billion mining project launched by the British-Australian mining company in the Jadar valley, paving the way for its revival.

The Serbian government's decision to cancel the excavation plans came after thousands of protesters in Belgrade and elsewhere in Serbia blocked major roads and bridges in 2021 to oppose Rio Tinto. Those protests were the biggest challenge yet to the increasingly autocratic rule of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

Vucic has said that any excavation would not start before 2028 and that the government would seek firm environmental guarantees before allowing the digging. Some government officials have hinted a referendum on the issue could also be held.

Protesters who gathered on Monday in Serbian towns said they did not trust the government and would not allow the excavations to go ahead.

“They have usurped our rivers, our forests,” said activist Nebojsa Kovandzic from the town of Kraljevo. “Everything they (government) do they do for their own interests and never in the interest of us, citizens.” The crowd in Kraljevo chanted ‘thieves, thieves.’

In Sabac, protesters waved Serbian flags and held a march through the town after the rally.

A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman with drawn four Cyrillic letters for "S" on the Serbian cross, meaning: ''Only Unity Saves the Serb'' demonstrates during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman with drawn four Cyrillic letters for "S" on the Serbian cross, meaning: ''Only Unity Saves the Serb'' demonstrates during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man wearing a traditional Serbian hat with Palestinian flag and badge reads: "We don't give Jadar (area with lithium)!" attends a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man wearing a traditional Serbian hat with Palestinian flag and badge reads: "We don't give Jadar (area with lithium)!" attends a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman demonstrates during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman demonstrates during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A girl reacts during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A girl reacts during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man wearing a mask attends a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man wearing a mask attends a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man holds an old Yugoslav Communists' flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man holds an old Yugoslav Communists' flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Two woman take a selfie in front of a podium prior to a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Two woman take a selfie in front of a podium prior to a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's government recently signed with the European Union. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

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PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos Australian Open Tennis Quarterfinals

2025-01-22 13:38 Last Updated At:13:42

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a backhand 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/Vincent Thian)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a backhand 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/Vincent Thian)

A feather falls towards the court as Emma Navarro of the U.S. waits for a return from Iga Swiatek of Poland during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A feather falls towards the court as Emma Navarro of the U.S. waits for a return from Iga Swiatek of Poland during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Emma Navarro of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Iga Swiatek of Poland during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Emma Navarro of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Iga Swiatek of Poland during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Iga Swiatek of Poland serves 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/Ng Han Guan)

Iga Swiatek of Poland serves 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/Ng Han Guan)

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)

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)

Iga Swiatek of Poland serves 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/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Iga Swiatek of Poland serves 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/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

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)

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)

Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Elina Svitolina of Ukraine reacts during her quarterfinal against Madison Keys of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Elina Svitolina of Ukraine reacts during her quarterfinal against Madison Keys of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Madison Keys of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 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. plays a backhand return to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Madison Keys, right, of the U.S. is congratulated by Elina Svitolina of Ukraine following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Madison Keys, right, of the U.S. is congratulated by Elina Svitolina of Ukraine following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Elina Svitolina of Ukraine plays a forehand return to Madison Keys of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Elina Svitolina of Ukraine plays a forehand return to Madison Keys of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Emma Navarro of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Iga Swiatek of Poland during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Emma Navarro of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Iga Swiatek of Poland during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Iga Swiatek, left, of Poland, is congratulated by Emma Navarro of the U.S. following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Iga Swiatek, left, of Poland, is congratulated by Emma Navarro of the U.S. following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Iga Swiatek of Poland celebrates after defeating Emma Navarro of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Iga Swiatek of Poland celebrates after defeating Emma Navarro of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Elina Svitolina of Ukraine plays a forehand return to Madison Keys of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Elina Svitolina of Ukraine plays a forehand return to Madison Keys of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Gael Monfils watches his wife Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during her quarterfinal against Madison Keys of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Gael Monfils watches his wife Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during her quarterfinal against Madison Keys of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

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)

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)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts 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)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts 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)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in 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 celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in 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 plays a backhand return to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand return to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts during his quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts during his quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Stefan Djokovic reacts as he watches his father Novak Djokovic of Serbia 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)

Stefan Djokovic reacts as he watches his father Novak Djokovic of Serbia 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)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts following a fall during his quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts following a fall during his quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates with coach Andy Murry, right, after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates with coach Andy Murry, right, after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand return to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand return to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Novak Djokovic, right, of Serbia is congratulated by Carlos Alcaraz of Spain following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Novak Djokovic, right, of Serbia is congratulated by Carlos Alcaraz of Spain following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. prepares to serve to Paula Badosa of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. prepares to serve to Paula Badosa of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

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/Ng Han Guan)

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/Ng Han Guan)

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)

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)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Aryna Sabalenka, right, of Belarus, is congratulated by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Aryna Sabalenka, right, of Belarus, is congratulated by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus blows kiss into a television camera after defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus blows kiss into a television camera after defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

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/Ng Han Guan)

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/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev of Germany serves to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev of Germany serves to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Tommy Paul of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Alexander Zverev of Germany during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Tommy Paul of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Alexander Zverev of Germany during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Alexander Zverev of Germany plays a backhand return to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Alexander Zverev of Germany plays a backhand return to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Alexander Zverev, right, of Germany is congratulated by Tommy Paul of the U.S. following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Alexander Zverev, right, of Germany is congratulated by Tommy Paul of the U.S. following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Alexander Zverev of Germany plays a forehand return to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev of Germany plays a forehand return to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts as he holds a feather during his quarterfinal match against Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts as he holds a feather during his quarterfinal match against Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Tommy Paul of the U.S. rests on the net during his quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Tommy Paul of the U.S. rests on the net during his quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Alexander Zverev of Germany plays a backhand return to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev of Germany plays a backhand return to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts during her quarterfinal match against Paula Badosa of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts during her quarterfinal match against Paula Badosa of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev of Germany serves to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev of Germany serves to Tommy Paul of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. holds a bag of ice during a break in her quarterfinal match against Paula Badosa of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. holds a bag of ice during a break in her quarterfinal match against Paula Badosa of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Paula Badosa of Spain reacts after winning her quarterfinal match against Coco Gauff of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Paula Badosa of Spain reacts after winning her quarterfinal match against Coco Gauff of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

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)

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)

Paula Badosa of Spain is congratulated by Coco Gauff, left, of the U.S. following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Paula Badosa of Spain is congratulated by Coco Gauff, left, of the U.S. following their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. serves to Paula Badosa of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. serves to Paula Badosa of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Paula Badosa of Spain celebrates after defeating Coco Gauff of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Paula Badosa of Spain celebrates after defeating Coco Gauff of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts during her quarterfinal match against Paula Badosa of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts during her quarterfinal match against Paula Badosa of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

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