Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Jelena Dokic – In her first major television interview since her father’s death, former tennis star Jelena Dokic opens up to Leigh Sales about the highs and lows of a turbulent family life and career.
Jelena says that at 42, she’s never been happier. She’s forged a successful career as a tennis commentator and is the subject of an award-winning feature documentary.
But, as she reveals in this candid conversation, her life has been shaped by the extreme emotional and physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her father and coach, Damir Dokic.
“I was already brutally beaten at the age of 9 or 10.”
– she recalls.
“When I was 17, I was kicked and punched in the head so hard he left me unconscious.”
Jelena achieved early fame when, at 16, she beat world No. 1 Martina Hingis. But her career was overshadowed by her father’s behaviour.
One of the most traumatic moments, she recalls, was being booed by the crowd at the Australian Open after her father made her switch allegiance from Australia to Yugoslavia.
“I would rather take 100 years of beating than having to ever go through that moment,”
– she says.
In a stunning revelation, Jelena says that when she attempted to reconcile with her father in later life, Damir was unapologetic and said he would “do it all again”.
At the age of 19, Jelena found the courage to leave her family, but it took many years for her to rebuild her life and sense of self-worth. The turning point was going public with her story in her memoir, Unbreakable.
“There was this massive freedom that came with that. My voice, my life. I could reclaim it. This huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.”
In a frank and surprising interview, Jelena says she wants her story to inspire hope in those who’ve suffered abuse. “When we’re silent about it, that’s their power. As soon as we speak up, we take that power away from them.”
Producers: Jennifer Feller and Robyn Powell
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview – Monday 13 October 2025 at 8:00pm
Media Release – ABC
TV Central ABC content HERE
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Jelena Dokic
