MELBOURNE — Former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic has opened up about the "difficult and complicated" grief she is experiencing following the death of her estranged father and former coach, Damir Dokic. The 40-year-old, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world, confirmed his passing in an emotional social media post, reflecting on their fractured relationship and the impact of his controversial legacy on her life.
A Strained Father-Daughter Relationship
Damir Dokic, who passed away at the age of 71, was both a driving force behind Jelena’s early success and a source of immense personal turmoil. Known for his volatile behavior, he made headlines for multiple incidents, including threatening to kidnap her from the Australian Open in 2009 and being convicted of making death threats against the Australian ambassador to Serbia. "Our relationship was never simple," Jelena wrote. "He was my coach, my father, but also someone who caused me deep pain."
The tennis prodigy turned commentator has previously spoken about the abuse she endured under his coaching, detailing instances of verbal and emotional manipulation. Despite cutting ties with him years ago, his death has brought unresolved emotions to the surface. "Grief isn’t linear," she shared. "It’s messy, especially when the person who hurt you is also the one who shaped you."
The Weight of Public Scrutiny
Jelena’s career was often overshadowed by her father’s outbursts, which included:
- Throwing a journalist’s laptop during a 2000 tournament in Birmingham
- Claiming Wimbledon organizers had rigged the draw against her
- Publicly feuding with Tennis Australia, leading to Jelena switching national allegiances to Serbia in 2001
In her memoir, Unbreakable, she revealed how his actions isolated her from peers and sponsors. "I lost years of my life trying to please him, to be perfect," she wrote. "Now, with his passing, I’m left wondering what could have been different."
A Complicated Legacy
While Damir’s aggressive coaching style was widely criticized, Jelena has acknowledged his role in her early discipline and work ethic. "He saw potential in me when no one else did," she admitted in a 2022 interview. "But love shouldn’t come with conditions."
The tennis community has rallied around Jelena, with peers like Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King offering public support. Tennis Australia released a statement praising her resilience: "Jelena’s courage in sharing her story continues to inspire survivors everywhere."
Navigating Grief in the Public Eye
Jelena, now a prominent sports broadcaster, has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. Her candid posts about body image struggles and depression resonate with fans, making her father’s death a topic of public sympathy. "I won’t pretend to have all the answers," she wrote. "But I know healing starts with honesty."
Experts note that grieving an abusive parent presents unique challenges. Dr. Sarah Hughes, a trauma psychologist, explains: "There’s often guilt for not feeling ‘traditional’ sadness, compounded by societal expectations. Jelena’s transparency helps normalize these complex emotions."
Moving Forward
Despite the pain, Jelena remains focused on her advocacy work, particularly for survivors of domestic violence. She recently partnered with Beyond Blue, an Australian mental health organization, to launch a helpline for athletes. "If my story helps one person feel less alone, then the struggle was worth it," she said.
As she processes her loss, fans have flooded her social media with messages of support. One follower summarized the sentiment: "Your strength turns pain into purpose. That’s the ultimate victory."
Jelena has not disclosed funeral plans but hinted at a private ceremony. "Some wounds need quiet to heal," she concluded. "This chapter closes with more questions than answers, but I’m learning to be okay with that."