Jelena Dokic reveals charity plans
JELENA Dokic has revealed plans to take her story of survival under her father’s brutal hand and turn it into something positive.
Fiona Byrne
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FORMER tennis ace Jelena Dokic has revealed plans to establish a foundation to support adults and children affected by domestic violence.
Dokic, who is commentating on next month’s Australian Open for Tennis Australia and its world broadcast feed, said finding a way to support others who were struggling with violence, abuse, mental illness or depression was an important personal goal.
She revealed her own story of survival after suffering years of abuse at the hands of her father, Damir, in her best-selling book, Unbreakable.
“I have got plans to hopefully start my own foundation,” she said.
“I originally thought I would like to be associated with certain organisations and charities and then I thought I have the chance to do something that would be my own.”
Dokic said she would be prioritising her own wellbeing in the new year.
“In general, for me, it is about being healthy and happy,” she said.
“That is a priority for me and I don’t take it for granted. I battled really bad depression and almost committed suicide so I know how important it is to value every day.”
Tennis was still an important part of her life.
“I am really enjoying the commentary and I want to explore it more,” she said.
“I worked with Tennis Australia last year and am very excited to have the opportunity again this year.”
She has not heard from her father since her book was released, nor does she care about what he thinks of the publication.
“We don’t talk, we haven’t in a long time,” Dokic said.
“At the end of the day it is my life and this (the issues she experienced growing up) is bigger than him or one person. In the end, writing it down will help a whole lot of people hopefully and it doesn’t really matter what he thinks.”
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