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Australian Open 2025: How to watch on TV, betting odds and more to know

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Australian Open 2025: How to watch on TV, betting odds and more to know
News

News

Australian Open 2025: How to watch on TV, betting odds and more to know

2025-01-26 21:07 Last Updated At:21:12

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)

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 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 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, 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 - 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)

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)

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 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 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, 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 - 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)

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)

VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. (AP) — Lewis Pugh has followed an unspoken rule during his career as one of the world’s most daring endurance swimmers: Don’t talk about sharks. But he plans to break that this week on a swim around Martha’s Vineyard, where “ Jaws” was filmed 50 years ago.

The British-South African was the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world — and has taken on extreme conditions everywhere from Mount Everest to the Arctic.

“On this swim, it’s very different: We’re just talking about sharks all the time,” joked Pugh, who will, as usual, wear no wetsuit.

For his swim around Martha’s Vineyard in 47-degree (8-degree Celsius) water he will wear just trunks, a cap and goggles.

Pugh, 55, is undertaking the challenge because he wants to change public perception around the now at-risk animals — which he said were maligned by the blockbuster film as “villains, as cold-blooded killers.” He will urge for more protection for sharks.

On Thursday, beginning at the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse, he will swim for three or four hours in the brutally cold surf, mark his progress and spend the rest of his waking hours on the Vineyard educating the public about sharks. Then, he'll get in the water and do it again — and again, for an estimated 12 days, or however long it takes him to complete the 62-mile (100-kilometer) swim.

He begins the journey just after the New England Aquarium confirmed the first white shark sighting of the season, earlier this week off the coast of Nantucket.

“It’s going to test me not only physically, but also mentally,” he said, while scoping out wind conditions by the starting line. “I mean every single day I’m going to be speaking about sharks, sharks, sharks, sharks. Then, ultimately, I’ve got to get in the water afterwards and do the swim. I suppose you can imagine what I’ll be thinking about.”

Pugh said the swim will be among the most difficult he’s undertaken, which says a lot for someone who has swum near glaciers and volcanoes, and among hippos, crocodiles and polar bears. No one has ever swum around the island of Martha's Vineyard before.

But Pugh, who often swims to raise awareness for environmental causes — and was this year named the United Nations Patron of the Oceans — said no swim is without risk and that drastic measures are needed to get his message across: Around 274,000 sharks are killed globally each day — a rate of 100 million every year, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

“It was a film about sharks attacking humans and for 50 years, we have been attacking sharks,” he said of “Jaws.” “It’s completely unsustainable. It’s madness. We need to respect them.”

He emphasizes that the swim is not something nonprofessionals should attempt. He’s accompanied by safety personnel in a boat and kayak and uses a “Shark Shield” device that deters sharks using an electric field without harming them.

Pugh remembers feeling fear as a 16-year-old watching “Jaws” for the first time. Over decades of study and research, awe and respect have replaced his fear, as he realized the role they play in maintaining Earth’s increasingly fragile ecosystems.

“I’m more terrified of a world without sharks, or without predators,” he said.

“Jaws” is credited for creating Hollywood’s blockbuster culture when it was released in summer 1975, becoming the highest grossing film up until that time and earning three Academy Awards. It would impact how many viewed the ocean for decades to come.

Both director Steven Spielberg and author Peter Benchley have expressed regret over the impact of the film on viewers’ perception of sharks. Both have since contributed to conservation efforts for animals, which have seen populations depleted due to factors like overfishing and climate change.

Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Channel each year release programming about sharks to educate the public about the predator.

Greg Skomal, marine fisheries biologist at Martha’s Vineyard Fisheries within the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, said many people tell him they still won't swim in the ocean because of the sheer terror caused by the film.

“I tend to hear the expression that, ‘I haven’t gone in the water since ‘Jaws’ came out,’” he said.

But Skomal, who published a book challenging the film's inaccuracies, said “Jaws” also inspired many people — including him — to study marine biology, leading to increased research, acceptance and respect for the creatures.

If “Jaws” were made today, he doesn't think it'd have the same effect. But in the 1970s, “it was just perfect in terms of generating this level of fear to a public that was largely uneducated about sharks, because we were uneducated. Scientists didn’t know a lot about sharks.”

Skomal said the biggest threat contributing to the decline of the shark population now is commercial fishing, which exploded in the late 1970s and is today driven by high demand for fins and meat used in food dishes, as well as the use of skin to make leather and oil and cartilage for cosmetics.

“I think we’ve really moved away from this feeling, or the old adage that, ‘The only good shark is a dead shark,’” he said. “We’re definitely morphing from fear to fascination, or perhaps a combination of both.”

A woman views the sunset at Menemsha Beach, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Chilmark, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A woman views the sunset at Menemsha Beach, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Chilmark, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A man navigates the wake behind the Martha's Vineyard Ferry, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Vineyard Haven, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A man navigates the wake behind the Martha's Vineyard Ferry, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Vineyard Haven, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A visitor arrives at a shop selling Jaws-related souvenirs, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Edgartown, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A visitor arrives at a shop selling Jaws-related souvenirs, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Edgartown, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A shopper walks past items featuring the Jaws movie at Neptune's Sea Chest gift shop, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Vineyard Haven, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard Island. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A shopper walks past items featuring the Jaws movie at Neptune's Sea Chest gift shop, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Vineyard Haven, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard Island. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh gestures to where he will begin his swim around Martha's Vineyard island, which is expected to take 12 days, near the Edgartown Lighthouse, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Edgartown, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh gestures to where he will begin his swim around Martha's Vineyard island, which is expected to take 12 days, near the Edgartown Lighthouse, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Edgartown, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A family walks to the span of the American Legion Memorial Bridge, also known as the "Jaws Bridge", while spending the day fishing, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard Island. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A family walks to the span of the American Legion Memorial Bridge, also known as the "Jaws Bridge", while spending the day fishing, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard Island. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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