Jelena Dokic

In 1999, 16-year-old Jelena Dokic pulled off one of the most staggering upsets in Grand Slam history. In straight sets, the World Number 129 trounced World Number One, Martina Hingis, in the first round of Wimbledon.
Jelena Dokic’s story is a remarkable one that begins with her family fleeing the former Yugoslavia as refugees. Though Jelena achieved World Number 4 status by age 19, she struggled with off-court obstacles - from poverty to racism, illness and injury to surviving her volatile father, Damir.
In conversation with Karen Lyon, this gutsy and resilient champion talks about tough beginnings, tumultuous tennis and bright futures.

[@mjrose6606]

Great job with the interview. Heartbreaking. Personally helpful. Inspiring. Thank you, Jelena.

[@GlennSyndallius]

I was involved in the tennis community during this time, I met Jelena once very briefly and knew some people that knew her... we all heard the stories about her father and I always wondered how he could get away with that behaviour. An acquaintance of mine actually challenged her father directly about it one evening back in the late 90s, but nothing ever came of it. It's great to hear her speak about this so openly now, and that she's taking steps to move on from the tough times in her teens and 20s. And good on Paul McNamee and the rest of Tennis Aus for accepting her back so warmly. Hopefully she's a strong part of our tennis community for many years to come.

[@ariesred777]

What a wonderful story of triumph against the odds.She truly seems to be still blossoming.Thank you

[@adamlarsson3828]

so many things to write here but Jelena Dokic has matured into a wonderful human being. total credit to her.

[@naturalexplorer]

Am glad Jelena found her voice and grows in strength as a result. Will buy the book. Love her tennis - so tenacious..

[@user-jr4jp8jm7h]

I have read both of your books.. Heart breakimg story You have been a conquer over a hard life Always followed your career. Admire you much.

[@Open_Space0718]

Her father is an absolute lunatic, I remember his outburts poor Jelena having to deal with that as a child. I'm sickened that nobody stepped in to help her being as young as she was.

[@IAMMOVIN4WARD]

Jelena Dokic is still pretty. This is a 40 something Jelena Dokic. Nothing unusual...a lot of older women look like this. Also, I like her energy and security in herself. Jelena appears to be in a good place in her life. I'm happy for her and will check out her book asap!

[@TheFever77]

Such a sweet girl. I’m glad she now gets to speak her truth.

[@jayneforster5677]

So if people suspected abuse or anything? Why didn't they step up and help her?? She was only a kid at the time!

[@stipV]

+Jayne Forster I am reading her book atm and at one point while she was still a junior someone did call the police when they were at a tournament staying at a hotel as they could hear Damir screaming at her and beating her in their room. However Jelena being so scared (understandably) wouldn't say anything against him and the charges were dropped. I do think Tennis officials need a better system in place to deal with this sort of thing, so many psycho parents out there.

[@sharnistevens1428]

@@stipV Yeah, as you say, any time things were investigated, I think poor Jelena was under too much pressure to keep the family unit as one. If Australian Authorities had been a bit more supportive and upfront about what her options were, perhaps she would have felt more comfortable to speak up?

[@clijsters3187]

I will buy this book!!! I love Jelena!

[@clijsters3187]

I hope Jelena can read this. I have a question to her. What if your father turns out to be a great supportive parent to you (strict in tennis but loving) do you think it would change how you play tennis? I mean changing in a much better way like a no. 1 ranking or even more, a grandslam champion?

[@bojanapopovicki]

Divna Jelena!❤

[@jayneforster5677]

Poor jelena! I knew she was always sad looking ! 😢

[@consuelorodriguez4130]

That's true the evil men needs to be published.

[@milamali9168]

Jelence nase Jelence.

[@billyde88]

She sounds more angry with her mother

[@allurach1746]

Damir sounds like a malignant narcissist, probably a sociopath.

[@myserbia]

Damir♥️she didn't lessen to him

[@HANSENAMUNN]

Chauuuu que le pasó ??? Estaba re buena ....

[@Gertzy41]

Jelena have you forgotten that you bagged hell out of that girl who flogged you at the aus open 😢😢😢😢😢

[@Thorpey401]

She was ordered to say it by her father. She knew she shouldn’t but her father, well do you know what he did to her? Get the facts