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“I was silenced”: Jelena Dokic opens up on her difficult relationship with her father

<p dir="ltr">Jelena Dokic has opened up about her difficult relationship with her father, and why she attempted to reconcile with him over ten years ago. </p> <p dir="ltr">The former tennis champion shared the details of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, documenting that he inflicted regular beatings in her new book <em>Unbreakable</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 40-year-old said her victories on the court made no difference to her father’s violence, writing, “Even if I won, I would still at times be beaten and be abused. I had some very difficult moments where I was beaten and kicked and punched to the point of being unconscious.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Throughout her tennis career, her father Damir was her coach, and accepted nothing less than perfection from his daughter. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was silenced for my whole life. From the very first day that I started playing tennis, the No. 1 rule was ‘Never tell anyone anything, or there will be massive, massive consequences’,” she said of his dominating personality.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, Dokic has candidly shared the details of the last time she saw her father, who left her mentally scarred. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I last had contact with him about 10 years ago. And yeah, I even tried to reconcile with him once or twice,” she told the <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/why-i-and-so-many-others-needed-to-apologise-to-jelena-dokic-20240125-p5f050.html">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think no matter what happens, you kind of hope that maybe you can kind of salvage a relationship when it comes to family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Those dynamics are always very difficult. But it's very hard when someone doesn't have any remorse or can't say sorry. In fact, what he says is that he would do it all again. So, for me, that is very, very hard.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I had to make a cut and go, ‘I don't need a toxic person or a toxic relationship in my life’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Thankfully, the star player turned tennis commentator is in a much better place with her brother and mother.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I have a great relationship with my brother, which I'm really glad about because my father used my brother and weaponised our relationship - not allowing me to talk with him for about seven years, because he was so much younger than me,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We pretty much talk every day, and with my mum, as well. I've had some tough conversations with her because she was on my father's side - but we're in a good place today.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-4118e97e-7fff-f711-4be7-4d1833689cc4"></span></p>

Family & Pets

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Jelena Dokic reveals health scare

<p>Jelena Dokic has been forced to cancel scheduled appearances in Adelaide for the Adelaide International Tennis Tournament after being struck down with a mystery illness. </p> <p>The 40-year-old, who has become a major name in sports commentating since retiring from playing tennis in 2014, shared with her fans that she has been rushed home to Melbourne due to a viral infection. </p> <p>The former World No. 4 tennis star left Adelaide on the eve of the year’s first grand slam, and hoped she would recover before the start of the Australian Open next week. </p> <p>“I have come down with a viral infection and I have to leave and get back home to Melbourne asap,” she wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“I am so sad and disappointed as I absolutely love Adelaide and this amazing tournament but I have no choice."</p> <p>“Off to Melbourne now and hopefully I will be ok soon and by Sunday for the start of the Australian Open. Fingers crossed.”</p> <p>Jelena was also forced to cancel a book signing in Adelaide, where she was due to meet fans who had purchased her latest book <em>Fearless: </em><em>Finding the Power to Thrive</em>, which focuses on her ongoing campaign against body shaming and her mental health struggles.</p> <p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/saved-my-life-jelena-dokic-shares-private-battle-for-first-time/news-story/052d69ef432a3d3de447fe6e481568c1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Stellar</em></a> magazine last year, the former tennis player shared how writing the book helped her heal from her past traumas of dealing with an eating disorder, and ongoing abuse at the hands of her father. </p> <p>“I actually haven’t talked about my eating disorder (before) because, for so long, I didn’t understand it. But now I know that more than 90 per cent of people that do have eating disorders, it comes from trauma,” Jelena told Stellar. </p> <p>“Getting professional help saved my life. I find the eating disorder quite complex. I’m working really hard on it."</p> <p>“But the writing of the book (<em>Fearless</em>) was a massive step for me because I’ve realised I’m not eating like that anymore. I’ve got more balance now.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

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Jelena Dokic slams "body shamers" in an emotional post

<p>Jelena Dokic has shared a candid post about her weight, sharing a comparison photo of herself at two different sizes. </p> <p>The former tennis champion has long been subject to body shamers and online trolls, and has once again taken aim at those who consistently make negative comments about her weight. </p> <p>Taking to Instagram, the 40-year-old shared two photos side by side: one when she was a size 6 and one at size 16, encouraging her followers to reevaluate their obsession with her weight. </p> <p>In a lengthy caption, she wrote, "Will you judge me if I am a size 16 for being a bigger size? And will you judge me if I am ever a size 6 again for not being a bigger size anymore and for maybe losing weight? You shouldn’t, either way."</p> <p>"Shaming and making fun of someone based on their weight or judging someone’s worth based on size is pure body shaming and bullying," wrote the former world number 4 ranked player.</p> <p>"When it comes to health, of course I want to be healthy. Of course I do my best. Of course I am working on myself."</p> <p>She went on to add, "The takeaway being that we need to stop obsessing about size, weight and measurements and focus on kindness, good hearts and generosity."</p> <p>"So what if I am a size 16 today and a size 4 down the track. Who cares!"</p> <p>"And lastly, if you want to lose a few kilos, so what? If you gain some weight, so what? Nothing wrong with one or the other," concluded Dokic.</p> <p>Jelena's honest post racked up over 15,000 likes and dozens of comments, with many sharing messages of support. </p> <p>One person wrote, "Well said Jelena! Kindness is the key, not clothing size!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Body

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Jelena Dokic's candid discussion about mental health

<p>Jelena Dokic has opened up about her struggled with mental health issues, being diagnosed with an eating disorder, and the trauma that came with being a young tennis champion. </p> <p>The 40-year-old spoke candidly with <em><a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/jelena-dokic-new-book-fearless-mental-health-recovery-diagnosis/83b5c0b9-4e64-40a9-b3b7-da438485f24f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a></em> ahead of the release of her tell-all book <em>Fearless: Finding the Power to Thrive</em>, which hits the shelves on September 12th. </p> <p>In Jelena's first book <em>Unbreakable</em>, she documented the abuse she endured at the hands of her father and tennis coach Damir Dokic. </p> <p>After the release of <em>Unbreakable</em>, Jelena found strength from other women who came forward to share their stories of abuse. </p> <p>"It's changed my life," she told <em>9Honey</em>.</p> <p>"I say that the day that <em>Unbreakable</em> came out was the best day of my life. It was the beginning of healing for me and basically finding happiness."</p> <p>She shared how her cultural background of being born in Croatia, combined with the secrecy of her career, meant she couldn't speak out about her abuse. </p> <p>"I was taught to be silent, to never say a word, to not speak up and to never talk about those things that go on behind closed doors.</p> <p>"And if you look at a lot of things in this world like abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, mental health, the power of those things is the silence, and that's how the abusers and the perpetrators control the situation."</p> <p>She went on to cite the MeToo movement, and stories of survival from Grace Tame and Simone Biles as reasons to come forward with her own story. </p> <p>"Everything changed once those amazing women spoke up," she says.</p> <p>Since going public with her story of struggling with mental health issues as a result of her abuse, Jelena has been subject to a slew of online hate. </p> <p>As a result of the onslaught and lasting trauma, the former tennis champion was diagnosed with bing-eating disorder, or BED. </p> <p>"I didn't even know originally that I had it," Dokic explains.</p> <p>She says she thought her disordered eating behaviours were "kind of normal" particularly on the professional sports circuit.</p> <p>"It wasn't really until the last couple years where I was dealing with actual trauma from the past and going through a lot of these things where I've discovered 'OK, I've got an eating disorder,'" Dokic says.</p> <p>After losing and regaining 50kgs in the past few years, and being the target of relentless online body shaming, Jelena wanted to speak out about body positivity and those who target different body types. </p> <p>"That's why I wanted to talk about it because again, I think that for a lot of people, it will resonate with them and I think that we need that representation," she said. </p> <p>"It doesn't matter because that should not be that main topic, do you know what I mean?</p> <p>"My kindness and who I am at my core, my IQ, my important values. Not my measurements."</p> <p>Through dealing with lasting trauma, an eating disorder, and a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD), all while being in the limelight, Jelena said it is important to be open and honest about your struggles, and not paint the picture of perfectionism. </p> <p>She has learned that being strong "has nothing to do with putting on this perfect front".</p> <p>"There's actually so much strength in being vulnerable," Dokic shares.</p> <p>"That actually takes courage and strength, being vulnerable and being honest and raw and open about everything, especially about your tough moments."</p> <p>"I am very proud of myself where I am now," she says.</p> <p>"And the biggest thing I'm proud of is the fact that there is absolutely no hate, bitterness or frustration from me going towards anyone or anything in life.</p> <p>"I have embraced all the difficult and tough times and just tried to make a positive impact. And I am, yeah, I'm very proud of that."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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Why Jelena Dokic's European getaway has sparked outrage

<p>Jelena Dokic has once again been the target of online hate, after a seemingly innocent photo from her European holiday garnered a lot of unwanted attention. </p> <p>The former tennis champ, who is also a prolific Instagram poster, has been sharing snaps from her getaway with her 175,000 followers, as she revels in a European summer. </p> <p>Flying home from Croatia, the 40-year-old shared a picture from inside the plane, writing that she felt "recharged" after her trip as she flew back to Australia in business class. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwRn_BgJR-b/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwRn_BgJR-b/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her post was flooded with comments of support, with many saying they had loved her holiday content and wishing her a safe flight home as she enjoyed the luxuries of flying business class. </p> <p>However, there were also a slew of negative comments, prompting Jelena to address the hateful messages she had received. </p> <p>“I posted a couple of images of flying back from Europe, flying back home to Australia in business class. A few people have had an issue with that,” she said. </p> <p>Dokic said that she’d been accused of “showing off” and not being “humble” and noted that these comments weren’t acceptable.</p> <p>“I’m a big believer in, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” she said.</p> <p>Dokic also explained that she realised she wasn’t everyone’s “cup of tea” but also pointed out that the response she’d received was still “social media abuse.”</p> <p>“I think for people to judge and shame people for posting something. It is mean, and it is a type of social media abuse,” she vented.</p> <p>She went on to clarify that while most of her comments had been supportive, she didn't think she should have to tolerate the barrage of abuse from the cruel minority. </p> <p>Dokic is no stranger to having to deal with online hate, after she went viral earlier this year in January because she was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/body/i-went-through-hell-and-back-jelena-dokic-reveals-tragic-truth-behind-old-photo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trolled</a> over her weight gain.</p> <p>She also took to social media to address the online trolling and called it “disgusting” and begged for people to stop.</p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Jelena Dokic opens up on "crushing" split

<p>Former tennis star Jelena Dokic has opened up on the heartbreaking split from her longtime partner of 19 years, Tin Bikic. </p> <p>The pair broke up on August 2021, but Dokic officially announced the news of her break up on January 2022, after taking an unexpected break from social media. </p> <p>Now two years later, the commentator took to Instagram to share some uplifting words to those who might be going through a rough break up, as she reflects on her own milestone. </p> <p>“Breakups of any kind, whether it’s a long-term relationship or marriage, are tough,” she wrote.</p> <p>“They are heartbreaking, crushing, shattering and can change you forever. I think how we respond to it is so important.”</p> <p>“It will be tough no matter what but we can be nice and be a good person. I think it’s really important to do it with grace, kindness and dignity. For yourself more than anything.”</p> <p>She then emphasised on the importance of “not becoming angry and bitter” and reminded her followers that the scars will heal over time. </p> <p>“What is not meant to be is not meant to be. No matter how long the relationship lasted.” she continued. </p> <p>“My breakup left me crushed and changed me to my core, but when I look back now on the last two years, I can definitely say that while I was shattered and it has changed me forever, I have handled it with kindness, understanding, grace and dignity," she added</p> <p>The former tennis star also revealed that she was proud of herself for “no screaming, anger or bitterness." </p> <p>“So a little bit of wisdom from me: When someone leaves wish them happiness and nothing but best. Try and remember only the good moments with that person.”</p> <p>“Accept it for what it is and that it’s over. Let go of what was and that it doesn’t exist anymore.And most importantly have faith and belief in what will be and what is coming next,” she added, before offering some advice.</p> <p>"You have to pick yourself up, learn and move on.</p> <p>"That wall around your heart is really high right now but you never know what is around the corner so stay positive, have faith and believe that something special is still out there and will turn up one day.</p> <p>"And even if it doesn’t, you know that you and your love for yourself is strong that you can do it on your own," she concluded the post. </p> <p>Many of her followers were grateful for her advice. </p> <p>"Oh wow I needed to hear this my marriage ended six weeks ago," commented one person.</p> <p>"You’re not alone. Many of us have had our hearts smashed to smithereens. Time heals," wrote another.  </p> <p>"You are a beautiful inspiration. I’ve learned this now 4 times painfully and you are right on all counts," commented a third. </p> <p>"Thank you Jelena, resonates with me at the moment," wrote a fourth. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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“I went through hell and back”: Jelena Dokic reveals tragic truth behind old photo

<p dir="ltr">Former tennis star Jelena Dokic has revealed the tragic truth behind her physical transformation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dokic shared an old photo on Instagram of herself during the peak of her tennis career next to a current photo, revealing the extent of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What is the most common comment I see when it comes to my body, size and weight? ‘What happened to her? I can barely recognise her’,” Dokic started in the caption.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Really? What happened? You can’t recognise me? Let me tell you what happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I survived being a refugee twice, I was bullied, I lived in a domestic violence filled home for 15 years and I was beaten unconscious, I was abused physically and emotionally and got beaten for the first time when I was six years, I was called a whore and a cow since I was as young as 11. I had to escape home, I battled anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma and I almost committed suicide,” she shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 39-year-old has always been open about her struggles with depression, online abuse, body shaming, and the family violence she suffered throughout her career.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the photo, Dokic has a visible bruise on her leg, and added that despite everything she’s been through and achieved, the most important thing to her was that she survived.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I still managed to do pretty well, I managed to be top five in the world as a tennis player and a grand slam finalist, I am a best-selling author, commentator and speaker but most importantly I survived”.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrLAQi8pKo0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrLAQi8pKo0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">She slammed body shamers who only saw “weight and size change” by sharing that she is much happier being a size 16 compared to a size 4.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I will tell you the difference between these two images. The one on the left is a size four, scared to death, beaten unconscious and that bulge on my shins is from being kicked all night,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The one on the right is me at size 16, I have survived it all and I am here healing from my trauma and thriving.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I will take the size 16 over the size 4 any day if it means I am happy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If it means I turned to food to try and survive, then so be it. But I am here, I am happy and most importantly I made it through.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So, there is the answer, once and for all. I went through hell and back and I survived and today I try to help others. That’s what happened. And for those that still don’t get the point, well that says everything about you,” Dokic concluded in her post.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many have shared their support for Dokic and her courage to tell her story.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’re so inspiring Jelena 👏🙌 Keep up the great work!!” commented one follower.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You don’t need to justify anything to anyone. Most of us know a warrior when we see one. I’m so glad you’ve made it through and continue to stand up for yourself time and time again ❤️” wrote another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you, Jelena 💙 We are all worth so much more than our bodies 🦋” chimed a third.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty, Instagram</em></p>

Body

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Jelena Dokic shares exciting career update

<p>Aussie tennis great Jelena Dokic has revealed she has two major projects coming up as her career continues to soar.</p> <p>Since retiring, Dokic, 39, has gained a loyal fan base thanks to her sharp tennis commentary and sharing the tough times she’s faced with online abuse, family violence, body-shaming and depression.</p> <p>The former World No. 4 regularly posts raw and inspiring content on Instagram, even sharing that at one point she came close to taking her own life.</p> <p>In an update on her career, she revealed she has a second book being released, and a documentary about her is wrapping up production.</p> <p>The 39-year-old’s autobiography <em>Unbreakable</em>, which focused on the physical and mental abuse she endured from her father, turned out to be a huge success.</p> <p>Her upcoming book, Fearless, will be focusing on her ongoing campaign against body shaming and her battle with mental health issues.</p> <p>The tennis champ is both working full time on the speaking circuit and appearing in fashion campaigns for Witchery.</p> <p>Speaking to Channel 9’s Today, Dokic told hosts, “I have been really busy,”</p> <p>“I thought I’d get a bit of a break after the Australian Open so I did for a week and that’s it.</p> <p>“(I’m) full time on the speaker circuit now as well which is amazing. I absolutely love that and love sharing my story.</p> <p>“A lot of important campaigns with a few fashion brands which are really focused on really good causes especially when it comes to women.”</p> <p>She also mentioned she has been “really busy writing my second book”.</p> <p>“We’re almost at the end,” she said.</p> <p>“It is coming out in September. It is (called) ‘Fearless’. We just came up actually with that headline now, 48 hours ago.</p> <p>“I am really excited because the first book was amazing. It was so successful. It was now five years ago since it’s come out. I have a bit of pressure with this one, I feel like. In a good way. I really want it to be another amazing piece that people can get something helpful out it.</p> <p>“The first book was purely my autobiography. This second one is going deep into mental health, trauma and healing, social media as well, body image and body shaming.</p> <p>“But ultimately I want it to be a book of hope and something that people can pick up, get a bit of inspiration from and just go really a little bit deeper into some of those things and some of the mental health things I have never even spoken about.”</p> <p>Her upcoming documentary <em>Unbreakable</em> is in post production stages and is set for release in 2024 after cameras followed her for three years.</p> <p>“We are pretty much done filming a lot of that,” Dokic said.</p> <p>“I am really excited because there will be a lot of other people in it, ex-players, former World No. 1s. To be able to tell my story but on screen is so powerful so I can’t wait for that to come out.”</p> <p>The tennis star has been very open about her experience with hate she receives online, describing the abusive comments she received during the Australian Open as “disgusting” and “a new low”.</p> <p>She added that she always tries to find the light in negative situations and her book will uphold that inspiring message.</p> <p>“I tried to keep it open and honest and raw as you know,” Dokic shared.</p> <p>“I want to be really real and authentic. That’s what I want to be known for and what I want my legacy to be.</p> <p>“I think we can turn lot of negatives into positives and I’ve learned that in my life so far whether that was on the tennis court as an athlete but also off the court.</p> <p>“I worked incredibly hard after retiring really early at 29 due to injury, how to reinvent myself as well and had to work really hard on that.</p> <p>“I think ultimately it is about finding the positives and not going back, not thinking about the past and trying to do good. I think we can do a lot and help other people.</p> <p>“If I can raise awareness about things that can save lives there is nothing better than that in the world. I want that to be my legacy.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

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Jelena Dokic slams government superannuation legislation

<p>Jelena Dokic has lashed out at the government's proposed superannuation plan, saying it would stop women in vulnerable positions being able to get the financial help they need. </p> <p>On ABC's <em>Q+A</em>, the tennis champion-turned-commentator shared her own story of being forced to flee a violent home at the age of 19, and the financial burden of such a difficult situation. </p> <p>While she said she’d been lucky to have her professional tennis career to support her, she said most women did not have the financial means or stability to flee. </p> <p>Her comments come after Treasurer Jim Chalmers began a proposal to legislate a new superannuation objective plan, meaning superannuation money would exclusively be reserved for retirement income, with Aussies being unable to draw on these funds in times of crisis. </p> <p>Ms Dokic said the matter was not “black and white”. </p> <p>“There are a lot of different areas where I think you should be able to access it (super),” Dokic said.</p> <p>“I think there is so much we’re seeing today when it comes to domestic violence, for example; women are so afraid to leave and one of the reasons is because they feel like they won’t be able to start again – they won’t be able to set themselves up." </p> <p>“I was in that position when I was 19. I was just lucky with the fact that I was a professional athlete. I had the ability to go and earn a living, but I left home with nothing. I was basically on the street."</p> <p>“There are so many women out there that are in the same position, so maybe making it where you can withdraw $10,000 and put your money to use when you really need it."</p> <p>“There are so many people who are not even going to be able to get to retirement or be able to have a dignified retirement because they are not going to make it. They might not even be here.”</p> <p>As superannuation legislation currently stands, access to superannuation before the age of 65, is limited only to situations where someone is permanently incapacitated, has a physical or mental condition which prevents them from working, is dying, or their loved one is. </p> <p>There are also provisions for severe financial hardship, but domestic violence is not specifically mentioned.</p> <p>Dr Chalmers' proposal follows the release of $36 billion of Australians’ super during Covid-19, where early access was allowed during the initial months of the pandemic. </p> <p>To that, Dr Chalmers has vowed “never again”, saying his proposal would ensure Australians are less reliant on government subsidies in their retirement.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Q+A</em></p>

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“Proud of my heritage”: Barty’s emotional speech

<p><em>Image: 9News</em></p> <p>Former tennis star turned commentator Jelena Dokic became emotional and teared up as she spoke to Ash Barty for her on-court interview after defeating Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko 6-0 6-1 in just 54 minutes.</p> <p>Much like the rest of the country, Dokic is clearly a big-time Barty supporter, as she found it unmistakably difficult to keep her composure as she chatted on-mic with the superstar on Centre Court after her win, where she immediately recalled another of Barty's victories.</p> <p>“I want to first congratulate you on your Wimbledon win. I think I speak — not I think, I’m sure — I speak for everyone here, everyone in Australia, around the world, particularly myself — thank you,” Dokic said.</p> <p>“You gave us so much joy watching that last year. You made us so proud. I get goosebumps right now. I just want to hug you but I can’t.</p> <p>“There are no words to describe what you’ve done so thankyou for that.</p> <p>“Now I’m going to lose all my questions.”</p> <p>Then it was Barty's turn to speak, as she talked about her Indigenous heritage while three young fans waved the Australian Aboriginal flag from the stands.</p> <p>“I think I’m my most comfortable self when I’m out on the court … I’m a very, very proud Indigenous woman. I love my heritage, I love to celebrate my heritage,” she said.</p> <p>“It’s what connects me to all of you here today. It’s what connects me to the land.”</p> <p>The exchange melted hearts. Tennis writer Prajwal Hegde tweeted: “Jelena Dokic’s on-court interview of Ash Barty — Wimbledon, Indigenous heritage, expression — was outstanding. The world No. 1 is Australia’s and is much loved.”</p> <p>It’s not the first time Dokic has welled up speaking about Barty. After the 25-year-old won Wimbledon last year, Dokic became emotional on live TV as she praised the role the Queenslander’s parents have played in raising her to become such an admirable role model.</p> <p>“I just want to get this out before I fall apart. So give me 15 seconds,” Dokic told Nine in July.</p> <p>“I want to give a shout out to her parents, obviously Josie and Rob, because people underestimate the importance of family. She talks about that all the time.</p> <p>“And as someone who didn’t have that support, it is so important. This will set an example for parents in Australia and around the world, not just how to raise a champion but a genuinely wonderful human being."</p> <p>“This is how you support them. You don’t pressure them, you’re there for them and this is why she is there, so big shout out to them, well done.”</p>

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Jelena Dokic's heartbreaking post

<p dir="ltr">Over the weekend, former tennis champion Jelena Dokic shared a heartbreaking message to Instagram in honour of World Mental Health Day. The 38-year-old shared a photo taken of her as a teenager, accompanied by a caption detailing her own struggles with mental illness and encouraging people to support those in their lives working to manage their mental health.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU1t_fuBouV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU1t_fuBouV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The photo was taken at the 2000 US Open, when Dokic held a post-match press conference hours after her father was removed from her match by security while shouting curses and insults.The caption reads, “This photo brings up a lot of sadness and pain and was taken during a period of my life where I was experiencing depression,anxiety and PTSD. Only a few years later I almost ended my life. Today I am in such a different space. Having gone through many personal challenges and come out the other side, I know how important it is to check in on people around you. I know that not everyone is fortunate enough to get through difficulties like I have. That’s why today is so important to raise awareness globally of mental health issues and mental illness.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It might not seem like a big deal but for anyone facing mental health struggles, just knowing that someone cares for you really does make a world of difference. I know how important it is to check in with family, friends or anyone struggling. I struggled immensely and wish more people would have checked in on me. So please show support and be kind because you never know what someone is going through and what battle they are fighting.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sometimes people underestimate the power of sending a text or making a phone call. It doesn’t take a lot of time and effort and it might not seem like a big deal but it really can and does have an enormous impact. I know it always has and does for me. On every level, we need to have more open conversations about mental illness. So take care of yourself and take care of others on this very important global day.</p> <p dir="ltr">There is a lot we can do for ourselves as well as others:</p> <ul> <li> <p dir="ltr">Call friends, family and those struggling and tell them you’re thinking of them.</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p dir="ltr">Send a bunch of flowers to someone who might be struggling.</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr">Write down what you’re grateful for.</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr">Look after your body and try to be active.</p> </li> <li> <p dir="ltr">Reach out for professional help if you need it.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Sending you all so much love and especially to those out there struggling. Just know that you are not alone. If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BptuNyTFT98/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BptuNyTFT98/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Dokic has previously gone into detail about her struggle with mental illness in her autobiography,<span> </span><em>Unbreakable,</em><span> </span>released in 2017. In it, she revealed she had been abused by her father from the age of six, and suffered physical abuse almost every time he was unhappy with how she had played. Her book included many other disturbing revelations, including the fact she was made to try and find a place to sleep somewhere at the Wimbledon courts after her semi-final loss in 2000, when she was told she was not allowed to sleep in the family hotel room.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dokic says she has given up on ever reconciling with her dad, despite holding out hope he would one day apologise. She broke down in tears earlier this year when discussing how supportive Ash Barty’s parents have been of their daughter, saying after Barty’s Wimbledon win, “And as someone who didn’t have that support, it is so important. This will set an example for parents in Australia and around the world, not just how to raise a champion but a genuinely wonderful human being.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Danny Gohlke/Bongarts/Getty Images</em></p>

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"Before I fall apart": Dokic's tearful Barty tribute

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic gave a tearful tribute to Wimbledon winner Ash Barty and the support she has from her family.</p> <p>"I just want to get this out before I fall apart," Dokic said on Nine, having watched Barty lift Wimbledon's Venus Rosewater Dish the previous night.</p> <p>"I want to give a shout-out to her parents, Robert and Josie, because people underestimate the importance of family. She (Barty) talks about that all the time.</p> <p>"As someone who didn't have that support, it is so important. This will set an example for parents in Australia and around the world; not how to raise a champion but a genuinely wonderful human being.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Dokic's emotional tribute to Barty's parents. ❤️️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9WWOS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9WWOS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/8aEEE5olTv">pic.twitter.com/8aEEE5olTv</a></p> — Wide World of Sports (@wwos) <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos/status/1414374177432215553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>"This is how you support them. You don't pressure them, you're there for them and this is why she's there. So, big shout-out to them, well done."</p> <p>Dokic is referring to the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father and former tennis coach, Damir.</p> <p>She claims in her biography<span> </span><em>Unbreakable</em><span> </span>that she was kicked out of the London hotel room by her father after she lost the Wimbledon semi-final in 2000.</p> <p>She claims she was forced to find somewhere close to the Wimbledon courts to sleep and was systematically beaten by her father.</p> <p>Dokic, to her credit, got out what she wanted to say about Barty without losing her composure.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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“Never talk like that about a man”: Jelena Dokic hits back at cruel comments

<p>Jelena Dokic has opened up about receiving cruel criticism about her weight while working at the Australian Open.</p> <p>The former world No. 4 has been interviewing tennis players competing in this year’s tournament and took to Instagram she put on some weight during Melbourne’s lockdown.</p> <p>However the 37-year-old told people to “get over it” on Tuesday night.</p> <p>“I am sharing this with you all because even though I have the best supporters in the world that send me thousands of messages of support, I have also received a few comments body shaming me and seen an article in the media about my weight and physical appearance,” Dokic wrote with two images of her before and after COVID-19 side by side.</p> <p>“I have always been honest with you all about my struggles and my weight battles. I have talked about my weight and not a lot of people have done that publicly.</p> <p>“Now I am also going to be honest but I also feel like I need to address the negative attention around what people think I should look like.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLWSPSqhO0r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLWSPSqhO0r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“And here is my message to you, GET OVER IT.”</p> <p>Dokic retired in 2014 lost 53kg after reaching 120kg between 2018-2019.</p> <p>She revealed in a social media post her battle with depression over her weight.</p> <p>“Leave me and my physical appearance alone. I really don’t know why people and the media have the need to comment on someone’s physical appearance, especially when it comes to women,” she said.</p> <p>“You would never talk like that about a man, it’s always about women and their appearance.</p> <p>“While I am nowhere near my heaviest, I am also completely honest about the fact that I have put some weight back on in the Melbourne lockdown.</p> <p>“It was very hard mentally for me in the world’s toughest lockdown for six months and not being able to see my loved ones for 15 months.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ev0YaBvyv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ev0YaBvyv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I have even had some depression and anxiety creep back up and it’s been a battle.</p> <p>“To all the body-shamers, online trolls and the media that have body shamed me, you should be ashamed of yourselves. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.</p> <p>“How about a bit of kindness? How about a message asking me how I am doing? Instead of talking about my weight, why don’t you talk about all my accomplishments? Does my weight determine my worth?</p> <p>“It’s so easy to judge others but why can’t people just be kind? We should be talking about inner beauty and not the shallow outside looks.”</p>

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Former tennis star Jelena Dokic shows off insane body transformation with racy snap

<p>Former tennis star Jelena Dokic has lost an incredible 45kg since October and now, she’s flaunting her epic transformation while on holiday.</p> <p>The 36-year-old, who retired in 2014, struggled with her weight as she used food as a coping mechanism, reaching close to 120kg at her heaviest.</p> <p>But despite the setback, the former world No. 4 changed her lifestyle around and lost a whopping 38kg using the Jenny Craig program.</p> <p>Now, as she soaks in the sun in Croatia, Dokic is celebrating her success by sharing bikini snaps on her Instagram.</p> <p>Wearing a white bikini and standing in front of an ocean pool, Dokic unveiled her healthy figure to her 23,000 followers.</p> <p>“Another beautiful summer morning in Croatia and I am in full vacation mode.</p> <p>“Morning swims are the best,” she captioned the photograph.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0xtB4NhI03/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0xtB4NhI03/" target="_blank">Good morning!!☀️🌊💦 Another beautiful summer morning in Croatia and I am in full vacation mode. Morning swims are the best. ☀️☀️🌊🌊💦💦🇭🇷🇭🇷😍😍❤️❤️ #goodmorning #morning #mornings #summer #holiday #vacation #croatia #croatiafulloflife #vacationmode #vibes #goodvibes #view #views #coast #sea #europeansummer #ootd #outfitoftheday #lookoftheday #style #fashion #zen #mood #summervibes #morningswim #beautiful #happy #positive #positivevibes #look</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/dokic_jelena/" target="_blank"> JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺</a> (@dokic_jelena) on Aug 5, 2019 at 2:05am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Despite being on holiday, Dokic refuses to ease up on her fitness routine as she shared a gym selfie before boarding her flight to Europe last month.</p> <p>Earlier in the year, Dokic revealed the toll her weight gain had on her, as she aimed to come down to 64kg from 76kg.</p> <p>Posting a photo on Instagram showing off her before and after body transformation, the Australian wrote that she turned down job opportunities due to feeling insecure.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxhPZYphZca/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxhPZYphZca/" target="_blank">Transformation!!! This a 6 month progress before and after photo. Over 30 kgs lost and I am half way. My journey continues and I am very happy with what I have been able to achieve so far but there is still a lot of work to be done. I know that getting down to my optimal weight and losing the rest of the weight won’t be easy and it will get tougher from here as I get closer to my goal weight but I am extremely motivated and confident as I know I have @jennycraigausnz by my side and supporting me all the way. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone at @jennycraigausnz .Your support,care and understanding has helped me get this far and I am grateful for everything that the whole team at @jennycraigausnz has done to help me especially in the tough times. It’s a lot more than losing weight but also getting fit,healthy and most importantly happy. Even though I have been on @jennycraigausnz now for 6 months I still can’t believe how great the food is,how easy it is to prepare and having my own consultant is just incredible. @jennycraigausnz has changed my life and I would recommend the @jennycraigausnz program to everyone. Join me on my @jennycraigausnz journey now. Visit @jennycraigausnz or www.jennycraig.com.au now and check out the LINK IN BIO to see more about my weight loss journey. I hope I have given you all some inspiration and motivation no matter what your goals are.It can all be done,just don’t give up and keep believing. 🙏💪😍🤸‍♀️🍲🥗🥙🍲🥗🥙 #jennycraigausnz #jennycraig #myjennycraigjourney #jennycraigjourney #weightlosstransformation #weightloss #transformation #progress #weightlossjourney #health #healthy #lifestyle #healthylifestyle #fitness #inspiration #motivation #healthyfood #healthyeating #australia #melbourne #sydney #inspo #fitspo #healthylife #women #empoweringwomen #weightlossmotivation #lookoftheday #weightlossinspiration #inspire</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/dokic_jelena/" target="_blank"> JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺</a> (@dokic_jelena) on May 16, 2019 at 3:04am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“The photo on the left and the start of my weight loss journey is a hard one to post and look at,” said Dokic.</p> <p>“I was unhealthy and unfit but even more importantly I was so unhappy, with no confidence.</p> <p>“I didn’t want to go out of the house, and I even turned down work opportunities because I was so insecure and unhappy.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvbT8YmFj0w/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvbT8YmFj0w/" target="_blank">Progress!!!💪💪 I thought I would brave the judgment,negativity and scrutiny that sometimes comes with being in the public eye and on social media and put myself and my struggles out there and hopefully inspire,motivate and help others,especially women. The photo on the left and the start of my weight loss journey is a hard one to post and look at.I was unhealthy and unfit but even more importantly I was so unhappy,with no confidence.I didn’t want to go out of the house and I even turned down work opportunities because I was so insecure and unhappy. That’s where @jennycraigausnz comes in and they have changed my life.I didn’t know what I was in for when I first tried the program but very quickly I discovered just how easy and convenient it is and just how tasty the food is.I love the fact that my food portions are all set with almost no prep time and more than 70 menu items to choose from without jeopardising my weight loss. My favourite part is having my own consultant who I get to see once a week and who supports me every step of the way.That support has been life changing.Not just from my consultant but from the whole team at @jennycraigausnz . That is what I love the most with @jennycraigausnz ,it’s a team effort and you feel like you are a part of the family and you are all on the weight loss journey together. It’s not just about weight loss either but about having a healthy and balanced lifestyle and developing healthy but sustainable habits for the rest of your life. While I don’t want to talk about the kilos too much,I have lost almost 20 kilos between the 2nd and 3rd picture alone.All due to @jennycraigausnz and their incredible Rapid Results program. I hope I can inspire and motivate you all.No matter what you are trying to achieve,IT CAN BE DONE.I am half way on my weight loss journey and very excited about what is ahead. Thank you @jennycraigausnz . #jennycraigausnz #fitnessmotivation #myjennycraigjourney #weightlossjourney #weightloss #journey #weightlosstransformation #transformation #progress #fitness #health #healthy #healthylifestyle #lifestyle #inspiration #motivation #healthyfood #jennycraig #australia #inspo #fitspo #inspo #healthylife #women</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/dokic_jelena/" target="_blank"> JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺</a> (@dokic_jelena) on Mar 25, 2019 at 2:45am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She added: “It’s not just about weight loss either but about having a healthy and balanced lifestyle and developing healthy but sustainable habits for the rest of your life.</p> <p>“While I don’t want to talk about the kilos too much, I have lost almost 20 kilos between the second and third picture alone.</p> <p>“I hope I can inspire and motivate you all. No matter what you are trying to achieve, it can be done.</p> <p>“I am halfway on my weight-loss journey and very excited about what is ahead.”</p>

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Novak Djokovic rocked by marriage claims after wife's no-show at Wimbledon

<p>Tennis star Novak Djokovic’s marriage has set tongues wagging after his wife and “rock”Jelena was missing throughout the entirety of Wimbledon 2019. </p> <p>The 33-year-old was not in attendance for any of Novak's matches including the nail-biting win against Roger Federer in last Sunday’s grand final. </p> <p>What was his fifth men’s title for this year’s tennis tournament seemed to have been missed by Jelena. </p> <p>The stunning mother of two also missed the Wimbledon Champions Ball, leaving the tennis victor to attend alone. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmIJm-EFHkY/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmIJm-EFHkY/" target="_blank">Cheers to new beginnings and fresh starts 🍹 Good luck my champion! ❤ We believe in you! 🎾💪🙏 #TeamDjokovic #NoleFam @djokernole</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/jelenadjokovicndf/" target="_blank"> Jelena Djokovic</a> (@jelenadjokovicndf) on Aug 5, 2018 at 11:27pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The absence has sparked rumours to fly as Jelena has always been a guaranteed support system from the sidelines for Novak. </p> <p>This year, the tennis champ said his wife was staying at their London home with their youngest daughter Tara, 1, as she was too small to attend the matches.</p> <p>After his victory, Novak said: “It’s extra special sharing it with my son [Stefan, 4] in the crowd and my parents, the whole team."</p> <p>He added, "My wife and my daughter are here in London, but they’re at home. So I give them a big, big hug.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlpNxqaFa5W/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlpNxqaFa5W/" target="_blank">Still savoring this moment with the loves of my life.. 💗🎾 #family #love #wimbledon #tennis 📷 @illustrationsinspirations</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/jelenadjokovicndf/" target="_blank"> Jelena Djokovic</a> (@jelenadjokovicndf) on Jul 24, 2018 at 11:07pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Last year, Novak described the feeling of seeing his wife and eldest child in the crowd looking down on him when he lifted the trophy as one of the happiest moments of his life. </p> <p>Jelena was not able to bring Stefan into the centre count until after match point due to Wimbledon’s “no children under five” being able to enter the venue rule.</p> <p>“Actually, I didn’t talk about it, but it was one of, if not the biggest, motivation I’ve had for this Wimbledon this year,” Novak said. </p> <p>“I was visualising, imagining this moment of him coming to the stands, cherishing this moment with my wife and me and everyone. It’s hard to describe.</p> <p> </p> <p>“I never had him in the box watching the tennis match. I was hoping that Wimbledon can be that tournament because he’s big enough now I think to stay quiet maybe for 30 minutes or so</p> <p>“There are special rules here so we have to respect them.</p> <p>“Roger (Federer) had his girls and his boys as well, I think, last year and the years that he won at the trophy ceremony, so I was hoping I can have Stefan, too.”</p> <p>“He was not there til the very moment when I was walking to get an interview. He walked in. So that was just a moment that I will carry inside of my heart forever.”</p>

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Jelena Dokic shows off incredible body transformation

<p>Former tennis star Jelena Dokic has revealed her weight loss transformation after struggling with emotional eating and multiple health issues post-retirement.</p> <p>The former world number four player previously revealed that her retirement from professional tennis in 2014 left her feeling “lost” and saw her weight balloon to 120kg at its heaviest.</p> <p>On Monday, the 35-year-old took to Instagram to share her pictures from October 2018 to present day, showing her weight loss journey so far.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvbT8YmFj0w/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvbT8YmFj0w/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a> on Mar 25, 2019 at 2:45am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“The photo on the left and the start of my weight loss journey [in December] is a hard one to post and look at,” Jelena wrote.</p> <p>“I was unhealthy and unfit but even more importantly I was so unhappy, with no confidence. I didn’t want to go out of the house and I even turned down work opportunities because I was so insecure and unhappy.”</p> <p>Jelena said since starting her weight loss program in December at 99kg, she has lost almost 20kg. “While I don’t want to talk about the kilos too much, I have lost almost 20 kilos between the 2nd and 3rd picture alone,” she wrote.</p> <p>“I hope I can inspire and motivate you all. No matter what you are trying to achieve, IT CAN BE DONE.”</p> <p>With this, Jelena is on track to reach her goal of losing a total of 33kg within six months. "We have a goal of 66 kilograms, that's what I'm aiming for the next six months – it's very close to my playing weight," she told <a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/2019/01/11/08/58/jelena-dokic-family-mum-break-cycle-abuse" target="_blank">9Honey</a>.</p> <p>In December, Jelena became an ambassador for weight loss and nutrition company Jenny Craig, joining the ranks of Rebel Wilson, Magda Szubanski and Barry Humphries.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bus18ErFzO0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bus18ErFzO0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a> on Mar 7, 2019 at 12:38am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>After hanging up her racket in 2014, the 175cm-tall athlete faced struggles in adapting to her new lifestyle.</p> <p>“I was thrown into retirement not knowing what direction I wanted to go in,” Jelena told the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/former-australian-tennis-star-jelena-dokic-opens-up-on-weight-battle/news-story/ff6d7e195a24cfa1c89fad040357da1f" target="_blank">Sunday Herald Sun</a> earlier this year.</p> <p>“I wasn’t prepared – that’s where my weight gain started. When you’re a professional athlete, you’re in this bubble that’s not reality – everything is done for you … training, food, travel, management – so going back into real life was very different.”</p> <p>She said the abuse at the hands of her father Damir Dokic, along with depression, thyroid problems and glandular fever, all contributed to her comfort eating. </p> <p>Jelena said of her ongoing body transformation journey, “It’ll be probably tough at times, and some weeks are going to be better than others, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge and of course reach my goal weight and to be able to feel my best.”</p>

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Novak Djokovic's sweet kiss on red carpet with wife Jelena

<p>World no. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic made a stunning entrance with his wife, Jelena, on Sunday night for the Laureus World Sports Awards held in Monaco.</p> <p>Leading the glamour and adding to the long list of world-class athletes, the tennis star shared a sweet moment of affection with his wife while taking pictures on the red carpet.</p> <p>Looking absolutely smitten together, Jelena supported her husband as he accepted the Sportsman of the Year Award for the fourth time.</p> <p>In a heart-warming speech, Djokovic honoured 2018’s and 2019’s success, not before thanking his wife for her years of support.</p> <p>“A Laureus Award is what every athlete wants to win, and this one is a huge honour for me. Being among so many sporting greats here tonight … gives this award a special meaning for me,” said Djokovic.</p> <p>“Last year was an incredible season for me. Returning from injury to win Wimbledon and the US Open is something I’ll remember forever.”</p> <p>The world no. 1, who took out the Australian Open in January, previously won the trophy in 2012, 2015 and 2016.</p> <p>Other nominees who came close to taking the Sportsman of the Year Award this year included F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, American basketball star LeBron James, French football player Kylian Mbappe and Kenyan long-distance runner Eluid Kipchoge.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Honored to receive the Sportsman of the Year award 🙏 Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/LaureusSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaureusSport</a> for a wonderful evening celebrating our journeys and the power of sport to change the world. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Laureus19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Laureus19</a> <a href="https://t.co/HNFPWNbQgV">pic.twitter.com/HNFPWNbQgV</a></p> — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1097608278387843074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Djokovic also dropped a bombshell admission on Sunday night when he admitted coming close to quitting the sport that has given him 15 grand slam titles.</p> <p>"Your support has been tremendously significant to me in those moments when I was questioning everything, when I was going through my doubts and dilemmas whether I want to keep on playing tennis.</p> <p>“And yes, I did think about leaving tennis and I did think about everything else," Djokovic said.</p> <p>As well as his surprising admission, the star also revealed he had trouble finding meaning in his long-spanning and rewarding career – feeling “relief” more than accomplishment after his biggest wins.</p> <p>"Back in Roland Garros 2016 when I achieved the ultimate goal of tennis to hold all four slams at the same time, I felt a huge relief, I did not feel fulfilment to be honest.</p> <p>"I tried to understand why and I think it was because I didn't embrace or I didn't live the process or the journey as much as I needed and wanted that destination or that achievement of that goal.</p> <p>“When I actually reached it I realised that the goal would be nothing without that journey,” he finished. </p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see the sweet moment of affection between Djokovic and his wife, Jelena. </p>

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Former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic shares her weight struggles

<p>Former tennis star Jelena Dokic was one to remember when she burst onto the scene in 1999.</p> <p>Shaking up Wimbledon as a qualifier and beating the world number 1 at the time, Martina Hingis 6-2- 6-0, solidified her place in the world of tennis.</p> <p>However, after switching to Yugoslavia in 2001 and returning to Australia in 2005, Dokic had a tough time regaining her footing and her career ended in 2014 due to injury troubles. </p> <p>This was where the issues with her weight began.</p> <p>“I was thrown into retirement not knowing what direction I wanted to go in,” Dokic said to <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/jelena-dokic-reveals-health-and-fitness-goals-after-retirement-weight-gain/news-story/0c142a255a650ad773dedf7532ef18fd">the Sunday Herald Sun</a>.</p> <p>“I wasn’t prepared — that’s where my weight gain started.</p> <p>“When you’re a professional athlete, you’re in this bubble that’s not reality — everything is done for you … training, food, travel, management, so going back into real life was very different.”</p> <p>Throughout her career, issues with her father Damir Dokic were prominent and it wasn’t until Jelena Dokic published her book in 2017 called <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/unbreakable-9780143784241" target="_blank"><em>Unbreakable</em></a> that the public became aware of what she went through.</p> <p>“The book released a lot of emotions I was holding in for a very long time,” Dokic said.</p> <p>“I’m happy with what I have, but (my weight) is the missing piece in the puzzle.”</p> <p>Her memoir outlines her rise and fall from the world of tennis whilst struggling to deal with her father’s onslaught of abuse.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Brw0cE9FtMD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Brw0cE9FtMD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Transformation!!! Christmas Eve,6 pm. Working out on Christmas Eve,no rest just work. Today is my tomorrow.It’s up to me to shape it,to take control and seize every opportunity.The power is in the choices I make each day.I eat well,I train,I live well. I shape me. It comes down to one simple thing: How bad do you want it? Because I want it really bad and I will get it. 🙏🙌💪💪🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️💪💪 #motivation #inspiration #training #workingout #workout #exercise #traininghard #workinghard #christmaseve #norest #work #fitnessmotivation #fitness #fitnessinspiration #fitspo #inspo #motivationalquotes #fit #gettingfit #getfit #healthylifestyle #lifestyle #healthy #health #melbourne #australia #takecontrol #trusttheprocess #progress #transformation</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/dokic_jelena/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺</a> (@dokic_jelena) on Dec 24, 2018 at 12:07am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Dokic is now happy and settled in Melbourne with her partner, Tin Bikic. After travelling between Australia and Serbia for the last 15 years, the pair have decided to settle down in Melbourne.</p> <p>“We’ve been through the good, bad and horrible,” Dokic explained.</p> <p>“He (Tin) was a key part in getting me back from the point of wan­ting to commit suicide.</p> <p>“We have quite a few plans in the next few years — marriage is on the list and we’re definitely looking forward to having children sooner or later.</p> <p>“Raising children, giving them that support and being there for them, and doing it differently to what happened in my family, is very important to me," Dokic added.</p>

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Jelena Dokic opens up: "I wish I had family support like Kyrgios"

<p>Aussie tennis legend Jelena Dokic, who <a href="/news/news/2017/11/why-police-didnt-investigate-jelena-dokic-abuse/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">recently opened up</span></strong></a> about the years of physical and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, says Australia's Nick Kyrgios has one thing she never did – and it could give him the edge he needs to succeed.</p> <p>“He has a great support system,” the former no.4 world tennis champ wrote in an op-ed for <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/tennis/jelena-dokic-says-its-time-to-stop-tearing-nick-kyrgios-down-and-appreciate-his-honesty/news-story/cf5936f823949e5f757705e59b0578c7" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Daily Telegraph</span></em></strong></a>. </p> <p>“His beautiful mum Nill is a generous and kind soul … Nick is really fortunate to have such an amazing mum.</p> <p>“I wish I had someone like Nill in my life when I was playing tennis. I know what it is like not to have a really strong family support system. I only was subjected to destructive and abusive behaviour from my father.</p> <p>“I didn’t have any parent supporting me. I know how important that is. Nick has got that. That’s what is really helping Nick a lot. That he has them on tour with him.</p> <p>“With family love like that around him on tour that can only help his dream of becoming a grand slam champion come true.”</p> <p><span>Few athletes have had such a rocky relationship with their sport or its fans as </span><span>Kyrgios. From being accused of “tanking” several games to </span><a href="/news/news/2017/10/nick-kyrgios-causes-more-controversy-as-shanghai-masters/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">walking out mid-match</span></strong></a><span>, the world no. 17 has even admitted that, on certain days, he’d “rather be doing something else than play[ing] tennis”.</span></p> <p>But if his recent behaviour is anything to go by, 2018 could be a new dawn for Kyrgios, and fellow Aussie tennis legend Jelena Dokic says it’s time we gave him a second chance.</p> <p>“I believe in him and if you don’t already, you should too,” Dokic wrote in the op-ed. </p> <p>Dokic says Kyrgios has it in him to win a grand slam, and that this year’s Australian Open could see it happen.</p> <p>“Over the past year Nick has matured. While his on-court behaviour may have frustrated some fans of the game in the past I like the fact he is able to admit he has made mistakes. I like that he is aware of what those mistakes are.</p> <p>“He is aware he can struggle a little bit mentally and emotionally. He struggles having a full-time coach and likes to go it alone at times which is fine. He’s aware that sometimes he struggles with motivation and being away from home for long periods of time.</p> <p>“We have to appreciate his honesty in opening up about his difficulties. We have to respect his honesty about mistakes he has made.”</p> <p>In addition to “working his heart out” on the court, Dokic says Kyrgios should also be praised for his underpublicised work with his charity, the NK Foundation, which helps underprivileged children.</p>

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“I almost committed suicide”: Why police didn't investigate Jelena Dokic abuse

<p>Tennis Australia has today spoken out about the horrifying allegations revealed in Jelena Dokic’s new autobiography Unbreakable.</p> <p>The sport’s governing body said officials reported concerns about Dokic’s welfare to police at the time of the abuse, but without cooperation from those involved, they could not be fully investigated.</p> <p>Former tennis champion Jelena Dokic has revealed she nearly killed herself after suffering years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her father.</p> <p>The 34-year-old has opened up about the extent of her suffering as a child and teenager almost every time her father and coach Damir Dokic was displeased with her performance on the tennis court.</p> <p>The shocking revelations include such claims that she was regularly beaten with a belt and a hard-capped boot by her father. Once a beating knocked her unconscious.</p> <p>After her semi-final loss in 2000 at Wimbledon she was kicked out of the family hotel room, which her tennis career was funding, and forced to sleep at the courts.</p> <p>But it was the emotional abuse from her father who often labelled her a “whore” that Dokic says drove her to suicidal thoughts.</p> <p>The former World No. 4 says she suffered abuse as a child and teenager almost every time her father was displeased with her performance on the tennis court.</p> <p>A polarising figure in the Australian media during her tennis career, Dokic was often branded a “spoiled brat”. </p> <p><img width="437" height="291" src="http://www.juice1073.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Jelena-Dokic-enews.jpg" alt="Image result for jelena dokic unbreakable" class="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Tennis Australia’s statement reads: “All of us at Tennis Australia applaud Jelena’s courage in telling her story and will continue to support her in any way we can</p> <p>“There were many in tennis at the time who were concerned for Jelena’s welfare, and many who tried to assist with what was a difficult family situation.</p> <p>“Some officials even went as far as lodging police complaints, which without cooperation from those directly involved, unfortunately could not be fully investigated.</p> <p>“Over the past ten years tennis has been constantly improving and updating policies to increase protection for children.</p> <p>“Tennis Australia is working closely with the Australian Childhood Foundation to strengthen the safeguarding of children across the sport.”</p>

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