Former tennis world number four Jelena Dokic has announced the death of her father and former coach, Damir Dokic. She confirmed his passing on social media, revealing he died on 16 May.
Jelena reflects on strained relationship
Jelena stated her relationship with Damir had been “difficult and painful” and had remained non-existent for the last decade. “Despite everything and no matter how hard, difficult and in the last 10 years, even non-existent our relationship and communication was, it is never easy losing a parent and a father, even one you are estranged from,” she wrote.
She acknowledged feeling “lots of conflicting and complex emotions and feelings” following the death. She shared a photo with her father, noting she chose to “focus on a good memory like this picture.”
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Public request for privacy
Jelena requested privacy for herself and her family. She concluded her message with “RIP” and a call for grace and empathy. “And as always and especially important to who I am as a person and what I want to stand for which is respect, grace, kindness, dignity and empathy, I will and want to be that person in this situation too,” she added.
Damir Dokic’s controversial past
Damir Dokic became known for his conduct during Jelena’s professional tennis career. He coached her during her rise from junior tennis to world number four and Wimbledon semi-finalist. His presence on tour drew widespread attention for alleged abusive behaviour and outbursts.
In 2009, Jelena publicly accused her father of years of physical and emotional abuse. She revealed the allegations in an interview, later expanding in her 2017 autobiography, Unbreakable.
Details of alleged abuse
In her book, Jelena described repeated violence throughout her childhood. She stated Damir once beat her so severely she lost consciousness. She said he regularly subjected her to verbal abuse and threats.
Jelena wrote that Damir whipped her with a leather belt, spat in her face, pulled her hair and ears, and kicked her with pointed dress shoes. She linked the violence to poor performances, losses, or Damir’s moods.
Criminal charges and public fallout
Damir reacted aggressively following the 2009 revelations. He threatened to blow up the car of the Australian ambassador to Serbia. Authorities arrested him for making threats and for illegal possession of weapons.
Damir claimed the threat was a joke and described the weapons as wartime souvenirs from Croatia. The charges added to his notoriety in both tennis and global media circles.
Jelena’s post-career advocacy
She retired from professional tennis in 2014. She has since become a commentator and advocate, regularly speaking about mental health and abuse recovery.
She has written two books and appeared in a documentary detailing her experience. Her work has resonated with audiences seeking insights into athlete welfare and abuse prevention.
Public and media response
Jelena’s social media post received broad attention, with many offering support and respect. While her relationship with Damir remained estranged, her handling of his death has been acknowledged for its dignity.
Ongoing legacy and impact
Jelena Dokic remains active in public life. She contributes to major tennis broadcasts and continues speaking on personal resilience.
Her account of surviving abuse has contributed to broader conversations about sport, family dynamics, and mental health in elite performance environments.
End of a public chapter
Damir Dokic’s death closes a turbulent chapter in Australian sporting history. His actions and their consequences have remained part of Jelena’s public narrative.
With this announcement, Jelena has invited reflection on trauma, estrangement, and the difficult emotions surrounding the loss of a parent. She now turns to the next chapter with continued focus on her message of respect and empathy.
