Inspirational former Tennis star Jelena Dokic receives flood of love after harrowing documentary airs

Australian sport stars and fans have rallied behind former tennis great Jelena Dokic after new details about the horror abuse she suffered at the hands of her father and coach aired on Wednesday night.

Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story was shown for the first time on free-to-air-TV after being released in select cinemas in December, centred around the retired star’s ordeal with her father Damir as she shot onto the scene as a teenager.

It comes after the 41-year-old — who is now thriving as a commentator and author — penned two books titled Unbreakable and Fearless that recounted similar events with her parent, who she cut all ties with a decade ago.

The harrowing film revealed the torment Dokic was enduring behind the scenes during the height of her tennis career as a teenager, where she reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals as a 16-year-old, even defeating the likes of Martina Hingis in her unprecedented run, before breaking through to the slam’s semis a year later.

In the documentary, the former world No.4 emotionally spoke 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.”

Carlton legend Brendan Fevola led the chorus of voices who were in awe of Dokic’s resilience.

“Watching the Jelena Dokic interview, her story is horrific,” Fevola wrote on X.

“So uncomfortable to watch. You should be so proud of the woman you have become mate. Everything you have achieved after tennis is incredible.

“You’re an inspiration to every Australian. Sending lots of love.”

The general manager of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Phil Gould, simply wrote her name.

Fans also added their own messages of support for Dokic.

“Jelena Dokic documentary is horrifying. So many people failed her,” an X user named Nez wrote.

Another named Patrick Ryen wrote: “I have so much admiration for Jelena Dokic. No child should ever have to endure the evil her parasite father put her through. Hats off to you, Jelena; you’re a superstar. So, in awe of your strength.”

Dokic has also previously stated she doesn’t hate her father, but that doesn’t mean she has forgiven him.

“I don’t blame anyone. I don’t resent anyone. I definitely don’t hate anyone, never would,” she said.

“I’m not bitter about it. Even to my father, which people find surprising. But I don’t hate him. I don’t necessarily forgive him, but I don’t hate him.”