The tennis community and Australian public are praising Jelena Dokic for her bravery and courage after her documentary, “Unbreakable,” aired on national TV for the first time on Wednesday night.
The documentary, adapted from her 2017 memoir, exposed the horrific treatment she suffered at the hands of her father, Damir.
A Childhood of Abuse
Dokic’s success in tennis was marred by physical and mental abuse from her father and coach.
One of the most shocking incidents revealed in the documentary was when Damir kicked her in the head, leaving her unconscious.
“I remember he was so mad that he goes into the bathroom with me, locks the door, and he beat the crap out of me,” Jelena recounts.
The abuse was so severe that her shins were bruised, and she couldn’t walk.
Turning Her Back on Australia
At the height of her career, Damir forced Jelena to switch allegiance from Australia to Yugoslavia, which led to her being booed at the Australian Open.
This decision left her heartbroken, and she has since spoken about the pain and regret she feels. “I loved representing this country,” she said.
“I come from a different culture, but I came here when I was 11, and I absolutely loved Australia.”
Finding Strength and Courage
Jelena’s story is one of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. She has overcome the trauma of her past and become a beloved analyst and commentator.
Her documentary has sparked a flood of messages on social media, with many praising her for sharing her story and shedding light on the horrific treatment she suffered.
A Lesson in Kindness
Jelena’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and understanding.
“You never know what’s going on, especially with children behind closed doors with their parents,” she said.
Her courage and strength have inspired many, and her documentary is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.