Viral infection forces Jelena Dokic to return from Adelaide to Melbourne to recover

The former Aussie tennis star has cancelled scheduled appearances and is in a race against time to be ready for her work duties at the Australian Open.

Former Aussie tennis ace Jelena Dokic is in a race against time to be ready for work duties at the Australian Open.

Dokic was on Tuesday forced to cancel her scheduled appearances, including a book signing in Adelaide, due to a health emergency.

The commentator is returning home to Melbourne to begin recovery ahead of Sunday.

“I have come down with a viral infection and I have to leave and get back home to Melbourne ASAP,’’ Dokic wrote on social media.

Jelena Dokic has suffered a health emergency. Picture: Esteban La Tessa

“I am so sad and disappointed as I absolutely love Adelaide and this amazing tournament but I have no choice.

“Hopefully I will be OK soon and by Sunday for the start of the Australian Open. Fingers crossed.”

Dokic revealed late last year that she had suffered from an eating disorder.

“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,” the 40-year-old told Stellar.

Dokic said her condition was further exacerbated by the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, Damir, who would “weaponise food” at the start of her tennis career.

“Getting professional help saved my life. I find the eating disorder quite complex. I’m working really hard on it,” she said.

“But the writing of the book (Dokic’s new memoir, Fearless: Finding The Power To Thrive) was a massive step for me because I’ve realised I’m not eating like that anymore. I’ve got more balance now.”

In other Australian Open news, injured Aussie Nick Kyrgios is joining Eurosport’s commentary team during the tournament.

Last month he withdrew for a second successive year due to ongoing injuries.