Tennis star’s sad split from long-term love

An emotional Jelena Dokic has revealed she is “hurt and lost” after splitting from partner of 18 years, saying she “fought so hard” to make it work.

Jelena Dokic has split from her long-term partner Tin Bikic.

Jelena Dokic has revealed her deep and profound heartbreak and hurt after splitting from her partner of 18 and a half years.

The former tennis ace confirmed on Saturday that she and Tin Bikic had ended their relationship.

“This is hard, I am in pain, I am hurt, I am lost and right now it’s all about just being able to get out of bed in the morning and putting one foot in front of the other,” a devastated Dokic said.

She said the pair – who met in 2003 when Dokic was being coached by Bikic’s brother Borna Bikic – had grown apart.

“After almost 19 years together, Tin and I have decided to go our separate ways,” Dokic posted on social media.

“Sometimes these things happen, people grow apart and it’s for the best.

“I would be lying if I said I was doing well, but I will give it my absolute all to heal and recover and process this pain and trauma and if nothing else I will die trying.

“I gave this relationship my all, my heart and soul and I fought so hard till the end but ultimately it wasn’t enough this time, but I am hopeful that there is still happiness and love somewhere out there waiting for me.

“I will have to learn to walk again before I can run when it comes to love and happiness but I will give this healing process my all.

“I am a fighter and I will fight till the end. My strength and the will to go on and live will be tested again, but I have done it before so I hope I can do it again.”

She said she wished Bikic well.

“I hope he finds what he is looking for,” she said.

The Melbourne-based tennis commentator announced the end of the relationship on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

Tin Bikic celebrates as Dokic wins a match in the 2009 Australian Open.

Dokic, who is part of the Channel 9 Australian Open commentary team, has routinely shared her love for Bikic on her social media, posting heartfelt tributes to him on their anniversary each July.

Last year she wrote of her hope that they would be together forever.

“18 years together and forever to go,” she posted.

“I will keep it simple because words just can’t describe what you mean to me and how much I love you.

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live a day without you.

“Happy 18 years my love and here is to hopefully many more.

“Love you more than anything.”

In July 2020 she posted: “No one else I would do life with.

“You are the most loving and positive person I have ever met and you have pulled me from the dark when I thought there was no way out and when I wanted to end it all.

“Thank you for fighting for me and always having my back and believing in me and in us.

“Thank you for keeping me safe and sane. I am so lucky to have you by my side and I don’t know what I would do without you.”

She described Bikic as “my life, my love, my everything.”

Dokic has regularly credited Bikic with helping her rebuild her life after a series of horrifying experiences.

She has garnered enormous public admiration and respect for the way she has rallied against so many obstacles in her life.