Former tennis great Jelena Dokic announces death of estranged father Damir
Former Australian tennis champion Jelena Dokic has announced the death of her estranged father, Damir.
The 42-year-old revealed he passed away “in the late hours” of Friday.
In a devastating Instagram post, she detailed the “difficult and painful” relationship she had with her dad.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“As you know my relationship with my father has been difficult and painful with a lot of history,” she captioned a picture of her as a child with her dad.
“Despite everything and no matter how hard, difficult and in the last 10 years even non existent our relationship and communication was, it is never easy losing a parent and a father even one you are estranged from.
“The loss of an estranged parent comes with a difficult and complicated grief.”
She said his death is the end of a chapter and brings a lot of conflicting and complex emotions.
“I choose to focus on a good memory like this picture.”
The beloved sports star has been open about the abuse she suffered at the hand of her father.
In a documentary that aired earlier this year, the former world No.4 and Wimbledon semi-finalist spoke emotionally about how her father beat her unconscious to the point that she could not walk.
“I remember he was so mad that he goes into the bathroom with me, locks the door, and he beat the crap out of me,” she said.
“He slammed my head against the wall multiple times. He was kicking me. My shins were so bruised, I couldn’t walk.
“He actually punches me in the head. And then I went unconscious for a little bit. He also stepped on my head as well.”
During Jelena’s career, Damir Dokic was renowned for his outbursts and was at one point banned from the WTA tour.
He served time in prison in 2009 after he threatened to blow up the Australian ambassador to Belgrade.
Jelena, who has two books and a documentary where she detailed the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, is now a tennis pundit and commentator after retiring in 2014.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
Originally published on PerthNow
