MELBOURNE — Former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic has shared the news of her estranged father Damir Dokic’s death, expressing "complicated" grief over the loss of the man whose abusive behavior overshadowed much of her career.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday, the 40-year-old revealed her father had passed away, acknowledging the difficult emotions surrounding his death. "The death of my father… it’s complicated," she wrote, alongside a black-and-white childhood photo of herself with her father.
A Painful Legacy
Damir Dokic was a controversial figure in Jelena’s life, known for his volatile temper and public outbursts during her tennis career. His behavior included:
- Threatening to kidnap Australian Open officials in 2009
- Allegedly assaulting a journalist in 2000
- Publicly berating Jelena during matches
Jelena, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2002, has spoken openly in recent years about the abuse she endured under his coaching. In her 2017 memoir, "Unbreakable," she detailed physical and emotional abuse that began when she was just six years old.
Acknowledging Mixed Emotions
In her Instagram post, Dokic reflected on the complexity of grieving an abusive parent: "There is relief and sadness, and so many mixed emotions… but above all, I am at peace." She added that she had forgiven him years earlier, a decision she described as crucial for her own healing.
Tennis figures and fans flooded the comments with support. Former doubles champion Rennae Stubbs wrote: "Sending you so much love, Jelena. Your strength continues to inspire."
Breaking the Cycle
Dokic has become an advocate for survivors of abuse since retiring from tennis in 2014. She frequently speaks about:
- The importance of mental health awareness
- Healing from childhood trauma
- Setting boundaries with toxic family members
In a 2022 interview, she told The Sydney Morning Herald: "I had to learn that forgiveness doesn’t mean reconciliation. I forgave for myself, not for him."
A Career Overshadowed
Dokic’s tennis achievements were often eclipsed by her father’s behavior. Her career highlights included:
- Reaching the 2000 Wimbledon semifinals at age 16
- Winning six WTA singles titles
- Defeating world No. 1 Martina Hingis at Wimbledon
Yet her career declined after severing ties with her father in 2002. She later revealed the psychological toll of his abuse contributed to weight gain and depression that affected her performance.
Finding Peace After Tennis
Since retiring, Dokic has rebuilt her life as a commentator, author, and mental health advocate. She told The Guardian in 2021: "Tennis was my escape, but the real healing began when I stopped playing."
Her Instagram post concluded with a message of resilience: "To anyone dealing with loss, especially complicated loss, know that your feelings are valid. Healing isn’t linear."
The tennis community continues to rally around Dokic, with former rival Alicia Molik tweeting: "Jelena’s courage in sharing her truth helps so many. Sending love during this difficult time."
No details about funeral arrangements have been shared. Dokic requested privacy as she processes this "complex chapter" of her life.