If these Jelena Dokic pics offend you, you’re the problem
Australian tennis champ Jelena Dokic had enough of those who comment on her body – and she’s clapped back with a powerful message.
What do you see when you look at these photos of Australian tennis champion, Jelena Dokic?
The 42-year-old has just shared two side-by-side photos, taken almost two years apart, showing the accomplished athlete at different periods of her life.
One shows the sports star working as a commentator at the Aus Open 2024, wearing a pair of white pants with a pink blazer.
While the other is an image from Stakes Day taken just last weekend, where Dokic opted for a figure-hugging red dress and matching headpiece, the classic race day outfit worn by many during the recent Melbourne Cup Carnival.
In both snaps, Dokic is smiling, her signature grin beaming across her face.
But the former world No. 4 Dokic explained there’s one unimportant detail that some can’t look past – and she’s rightly, had enough.
“A winner, worthy and enough in both [photos],” she wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
“My size has never defined me. But some wanted that to define me and even made fun of me. But here I am.
“No matter what size. Strong, courageous, resilient, happy, successful, accomplished and most importantly kind and a good person.”
Dokic, who said she lost 20kg over 10 months in August last year, went on to state that she “does not want to be known as the ‘skinny’ or ‘fat’ girl”.
“I am, and want to be known as, the girl and woman who stood up,” she said.
“Stood up for herself and others, and stood up against body shaming, bullying and trolling for my body and size.
“Someone who has fought for herself and others on the most critical stage, the world public and media stage.”
The tennis champ is no stranger to baring-all in the emotion stakes, notably speaking out about her 67-year-old father, Damir, following his death in May, bravely detailing the years of torment, abuse and physical violence on and off the courts he subjected her to.
“I fought wars I never thought I would win, won against all odds and rose from the bottom to not just survive but thrive,” she wrote, seemingly noting her once-secret struggle.
“That’s what really matters. Not my size at any point. And everyone deserves to be seen for their inner beauty and not their size.”
Her powerful message of acceptance and body positivity concluded with Dokic stating that no matter what size she is has been, a size 22 or a 4, she has “stood proud at both sizes and everything in between”.
“If I can do it, you can do it too,” she said.
“Never allow anyone to dictate your happiness, confidence, voice, worth or capabilities.
“Fight for yourself, speak up and use your voice even when it shakes.
“And remember you are enough and worthy, always. No matter the size or what is on the outside. What is on the inside is what really matters.”
Dokic’s lengthy post, a clap back at trolls and those who have body shamed her, was met with applause from her 322,000 followers.
“Beautiful inside and out always, no matter what! An warrior, an inspiration and the epitome of strength, kindness and courage,” one replied in the comments section.
“What an inspiring woman you are Jelena. Keep doing you, it’s working and inspiring us all,” said another.
As someone else shared: “And that is who you are-the girl and woman who stood up, time and again. For herself. For others. The warrior who is willing to be vulnerable.”
Dokic’s positive attitude and glowing appearance has left fans showering her with praise all year, with some commending her efforts after debuting her “striking new look” while covering the Billie Jean Cup on Channel 9 in April.
“You’re a dead set LEGEND Jelena,” one commenter wrote after the former tennis pro shared a snap of her in the studio.
“Absolutely stunning!” another wrote.
Dokic’s breakthrough moment as a player came in 1999 when as a 16-year-old qualifier, she upset Martina Hingis in the first round at Wimbledon and made a run to the quarterfinals.
In 2000 she reached the Wimbledon semi-finals, her best result at a grand slam.
She is now thriving as an author, expert tennis commentator and champion for mental health and body positivity.
Her documentary Unbreakable aired on Channel 9 on January 29, 2025 after it was released in cinemas in December 2024 and met with rave reviews.
She recently attended several race Victoria Racing Club (VRC) events as part of the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival, including an Oaks Day luncheon and Stakes Day, the final event on the week-long calendar.
At the closing race, Dokic wore a crimson Rachel Gilbert dress paired with a headband from milliner Lauren Ritchie and a Zara bag.
