Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open quarter-final against home favorite Alex de Minaur to cement his record-breaking victory as the youngest man to win a grand slam.
Alcaraz defeats De Minaur to advance to the semi-finals.
Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open quarter-final against home favorite Alex de Minaur to cement his record-breaking victory as the youngest man to win a grand slam.
Alcaraz defeats De Minaur to advance to the semi-finals.
In order to stop another World War II crime against humanity and genocide, the United States was instrumental in founding the UN in 1945. The US has always had a love-hate relationship with the UN, always being wary of perceived threats to its autonomy. However, the Trump administration has criticized what it perceives as “anti-American” and “hostile agendas,” insisting on the hate and displacing the love.
Numerous vital UN programs have been ignored and underfunded by the administration. Additionally, a significant portion of the assessed contributions, which member states are required to pay, has been withheld. The administration has discontinued funding the UN population fund, which supports and defends women and girls in armed conflicts and crisis zones, and has withdrawn from the UN World Health Organization, UN climate bodies, and international climate agreements.
In UN negotiations, US negotiators have pushed Trump’s ideological agenda and demanded that some of the language used in statements and resolutions be removed. Because the Trump administration views them as “woke” or politically correct, the UN diplomats claim that targeted language includes words like “gender,” “diversity,” and “climate.” The administration has had a few successes with its ideological campaign in the UN Security Council, but it has had a difficult time in the General Assembly, where the US is one of 193 members without a veto and has had some success.
The administration appears to be determined to reincarnate the Security Council in a Trumpian manner, though. According to the proposed charter of the Board of Peace, it is “an international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and ensure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.”
The Russian and Chinese governments, which have worked tirelessly for years to de-emphasize human rights at the UN, are undoubtedly hearing something about human rights because the charter doesn’t mention them.
According to the $1 billion fee for permanent membership, Trump’s board appears to be a sort of pay-to-play, global club. It’s difficult to imagine this body prioritize ending suffering, hatred, and bloodshed, as Trump remarked at the World Economic Forum’s launch event on the sidelines of the forum. There are several well-known human rights abusers and leaders who have been linked to war crimes. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, are two of the people Trump has invited to join. Both of them are facing international criminal court (ICC) arrest warrants for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Trump has invited leaders from China, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to his board, each with their own appalling human rights records.
According to the charter, Trump would have the power to “adopt resolutions or other directives” as chairman of the board.
Hungary and Bulgaria are the only European Union members who have so far ratified joining. Viktor Orban, Hungary’s far-right populist prime minister, has long supported Trump. Trump threatened to significantly raise French wine and champagne tariffs in response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to accept a position.
Trump also gave Canada a seat on the board that was a permanent one. However, he withdrew the offer following Davos speech by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney sharply criticised the use of economic coercion by great powers against smaller nations while not mentioning Trump or the US. Carney urged middle-class nations to unite and combat bullying from great powers.
Following an additional two years of Israeli forces’ atrocities that left at least 70, 000 Palestinians dead, with whom the US was associated, the Board of Peace was originally intended to be in charge of Gaza’s administration. Gaza is not mentioned in the board’s charter. However, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, led a side event at Davos that focused on Gaza. The “Gaza Executive Board,” a subsidiary of the Board of Peace, will consist of Kissner.
Kushner gave the impression of a “New Gaza,” complete with glittering office buildings and pristine beaches crowded with people. Tony Blair, the Trump negotiator Steve Witkoff, and senior Türkish and Qatari officials make up the Gaza Executive Board, which is unoccupied.
Governments should collaborate to uphold international human rights, humanitarian law, the rule of law, and accountability rather than handing out $1 billion checks to Trump. They should use all available resources to combat unfair US actions, including Trump’s sanctions against prominent Palestinian human rights organizations, ICC judges, and UN special rapporteurs. They should demand answers from all warring parties, whether in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, or anywhere else.
Anything less would put Trump in danger of winning and would make it easier for him and his board to support the UN and other important international organizations. The UN has its issues, including those relating to the protection of human rights. However, it is still worthwhile to strengthen rather than to replace it with an allies of war criminals and rights violators.
Increasingly, it feels like a case of “now or never” for Novak Djokovic.
The longer time ticks on, the less likely it is that 38-year-old Djokovic will claim the elusive 25th Grand Slam title he so dearly craves.
If he is going to move clear of Australia’s Margaret Court in terms of all-time major victories, the smart money goes on Djokovic doing it at Melbourne Park.
History shows how much he loves the place. Djokovic has lifted a record 10 men’s titles at the Australian Open and, overall, won 102 of his 112 matches on Melbourne’s hard courts.
Given that body of work, his fans are starting to believe the stars are aligning – with several reasons enhancing that belief in recent days.
Firstly, fourth seed Djokovic had a narrow escape when he recklessly cracked a ball close to a ball girl during his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp.
Djokovic admitted afterwards he was “lucky”. Had the ball struck the girl, he would almost certainly have been defaulted and seen another attempt at number 25 aborted by his own carelessness.
Secondly, Djokovic was handed a walkover on Sunday following injured opponent Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal from their last-16 match.
For some players, going three days without a match can leave them cold.
Given Djokovic’s advancing years and ability to find his best form without playing regularly, it feels like a bonus heading into Wednesday’s quarter-final.
Feeling fresher by playing a match fewer than future opponents – Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, then potentially Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner – could be crucial.
Thirdly, Djokovic knows his aura – as well as his game – has overawed Musetti in the past, ensuring he remains the favourite to reach the last four.
While there are positive signs, it is obvious some conundrums remain the same for Djokovic.
Whether his ageing body can hold up at the business end of a Grand Slam – even with the benefit of being gifted a round off – remains to be seen.
And the pertinent question has not gone away: will Djokovic have enough in the tank to potentially beat Alcaraz and Sinner back-to-back?
Alcaraz and Sinner have won the past eight Grand Slams between them, a run going back to Djokovic’s victory at the 2023 US Open, and both remain in the men’s draw.
Djokovic is not delusional. He knows 22-year-old Alcaraz and 24-year-old Sinner are a cut above the rest, but retains belief he can oust them.
Last year, Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four majors – a remarkable feat which showed he remains that duo’s nearest challenger based on ability.
The physical durability needed to land his 25th major was missing.
Djokovic beat Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-finals, but the effort expended in fighting through a hamstring injury ruined his chances of challenging Alexander Zverev.
Suffering a leg injury in the French Open semi-final against Sinner harmed his chances, then he considered retiring from their Wimbledon semi-final because of a groin problem.
“On [any] given day when I’m feeling good physically and mentally, when I’m playing well, I can challenge anybody, and I still believe I can beat all of them,” said the Serb.
“If that’s not the case, I wouldn’t be here.”
Djokovic has attempted to release pressure – internally and externally – by claiming he does not see this latest Melbourne tilt as “make or break” for his chances of surpassing Court.
Some believe Djokovic will not win another major again if he does not lift the Australian Open title on Sunday.
That still feels a foolish prediction, especially given his nous and experience on the Wimbledon grass.
By that point, though, he will be into his 40th year. He turns 39 in May.
But would you dare rule Djokovic – a man who has made a career of achieving the seemingly unachievable – out of anything?
Increasingly, it feels like a case of “now or never” for Novak Djokovic.
The longer time ticks on, the less likely it is that 38-year-old Djokovic will claim the elusive 25th Grand Slam title he so dearly craves.
If he is going to move clear of Australia’s Margaret Court in terms of all-time major victories, the smart money goes on Djokovic doing it at Melbourne Park.
History shows how much he loves the place. Djokovic has lifted a record 10 men’s titles at the Australian Open and, overall, won 102 of his 112 matches on Melbourne’s hard courts.
Given that body of work, his fans are starting to believe the stars are aligning – with several reasons enhancing that belief in recent days.
Firstly, fourth seed Djokovic had a narrow escape when he recklessly cracked a ball close to a ball girl during his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp.
Djokovic admitted afterwards he was “lucky”. Had the ball struck the girl, he would almost certainly have been defaulted and seen another attempt at number 25 aborted by his own carelessness.
Secondly, Djokovic was handed a walkover on Sunday following injured opponent Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal from their last-16 match.
For some players, going three days without a match can leave them cold.
Given Djokovic’s advancing years and ability to find his best form without playing regularly, it feels like a bonus heading into Wednesday’s quarter-final.
Feeling fresher by playing a match fewer than future opponents – Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, then potentially Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner – could be crucial.
Thirdly, Djokovic knows his aura – as well as his game – has overawed Musetti in the past, ensuring he remains the favourite to reach the last four.
While there are positive signs, it is obvious some conundrums remain the same for Djokovic.
Whether his ageing body can hold up at the business end of a Grand Slam – even with the benefit of being gifted a round off – remains to be seen.
And the pertinent question has not gone away: will Djokovic have enough in the tank to potentially beat Alcaraz and Sinner back-to-back?
Alcaraz and Sinner have won the past eight Grand Slams between them, a run going back to Djokovic’s victory at the 2023 US Open, and both remain in the men’s draw.
Djokovic is not delusional. He knows 22-year-old Alcaraz and 24-year-old Sinner are a cut above the rest, but retains belief he can oust them.
Last year, Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four majors – a remarkable feat which showed he remains that duo’s nearest challenger based on ability.
The physical durability needed to land his 25th major was missing.
Djokovic beat Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-finals, but the effort expended in fighting through a hamstring injury ruined his chances of challenging Alexander Zverev.
Suffering a leg injury in the French Open semi-final against Sinner harmed his chances, then he considered retiring from their Wimbledon semi-final because of a groin problem.
“On [any] given day when I’m feeling good physically and mentally, when I’m playing well, I can challenge anybody, and I still believe I can beat all of them,” said the Serb.
“If that’s not the case, I wouldn’t be here.”
Djokovic has attempted to release pressure – internally and externally – by claiming he does not see this latest Melbourne tilt as “make or break” for his chances of surpassing Court.
Some believe Djokovic will not win another major again if he does not lift the Australian Open title on Sunday.
That still feels a foolish prediction, especially given his nous and experience on the Wimbledon grass.
By that point, though, he will be into his 40th year. He turns 39 in May.
But would you dare rule Djokovic – a man who has made a career of achieving the seemingly unachievable – out of anything?
Increasingly, it feels like a case of “now or never” for Novak Djokovic.
The longer time ticks on, the less likely it is that 38-year-old Djokovic will claim the elusive 25th Grand Slam title he so dearly craves.
If he is going to move clear of Australia’s Margaret Court in terms of all-time major victories, the smart money goes on Djokovic doing it at Melbourne Park.
History shows how much he loves the place. Djokovic has lifted a record 10 men’s titles at the Australian Open and, overall, won 102 of his 112 matches on Melbourne’s hard courts.
Given that body of work, his fans are starting to believe the stars are aligning – with several reasons enhancing that belief in recent days.
Firstly, fourth seed Djokovic had a narrow escape when he recklessly cracked a ball close to a ball girl during his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp.
Djokovic admitted afterwards he was “lucky”. Had the ball struck the girl, he would almost certainly have been defaulted and seen another attempt at number 25 aborted by his own carelessness.
Secondly, Djokovic was handed a walkover on Sunday following injured opponent Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal from their last-16 match.
For some players, going three days without a match can leave them cold.
Given Djokovic’s advancing years and ability to find his best form without playing regularly, it feels like a bonus heading into Wednesday’s quarter-final.
Feeling fresher by playing a match fewer than future opponents – Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, then potentially Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner – could be crucial.
Thirdly, Djokovic knows his aura – as well as his game – has overawed Musetti in the past, ensuring he remains the favourite to reach the last four.
While there are positive signs, it is obvious some conundrums remain the same for Djokovic.
Whether his ageing body can hold up at the business end of a Grand Slam – even with the benefit of being gifted a round off – remains to be seen.
And the pertinent question has not gone away: will Djokovic have enough in the tank to potentially beat Alcaraz and Sinner back-to-back?
Alcaraz and Sinner have won the past eight Grand Slams between them, a run going back to Djokovic’s victory at the 2023 US Open, and both remain in the men’s draw.
Djokovic is not delusional. He knows 22-year-old Alcaraz and 24-year-old Sinner are a cut above the rest, but retains belief he can oust them.
Last year, Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four majors – a remarkable feat which showed he remains that duo’s nearest challenger based on ability.
The physical durability needed to land his 25th major was missing.
Djokovic beat Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-finals, but the effort expended in fighting through a hamstring injury ruined his chances of challenging Alexander Zverev.
Suffering a leg injury in the French Open semi-final against Sinner harmed his chances, then he considered retiring from their Wimbledon semi-final because of a groin problem.
“On [any] given day when I’m feeling good physically and mentally, when I’m playing well, I can challenge anybody, and I still believe I can beat all of them,” said the Serb.
“If that’s not the case, I wouldn’t be here.”
Djokovic has attempted to release pressure – internally and externally – by claiming he does not see this latest Melbourne tilt as “make or break” for his chances of surpassing Court.
Some believe Djokovic will not win another major again if he does not lift the Australian Open title on Sunday.
That still feels a foolish prediction, especially given his nous and experience on the Wimbledon grass.
By that point, though, he will be into his 40th year. He turns 39 in May.
But would you dare rule Djokovic – a man who has made a career of achieving the seemingly unachievable – out of anything?