Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic bravely reveals suicide attempt

Former world No. 4 Jelena Dokic has confessed to almost taking her own life in a heartbreaking social media post.

Former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic has bravely confessed to almost taking her own life earlier this year in a distressing Instagram post.

The 39-year-old, who achieved a career-high WTA rankings of No. 4 in 2002, revealed that almost killed herself in April because she “just wanted the pain and the suffering to stop”.

The lengthy Instagram post, uploaded on Monday evening, was accompanied by an image of Dokic in tears.

The 2000 Wimbledon semi-finalist pleaded with her Instagram followers to seek professional help if they were experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts.

“I almost took my own life,” she started.

“Will never forget the day. Everything is blurry. Everything is dark. No tone, no picture, nothing makes sense … just tears, sadness, depression, anxiety and pain.

“The last six months have been tough. It’s been constant crying everywhere. From hiding in the bathroom when at work to wipe away my tears so that nobody sees it to the unstoppable crying at home within my four walls has been unbearable.

“Constant feelings of sadness and pain are just not going away and my life has been shattered. I blame myself, I don’t think I am worthy of loving and I am scared.

“I also know that I still have so many things to be grateful for and then I start to hate myself because by feeling this way I feel like I am not grateful because I mustn’t be since I want to end it all. Such a vicious cycle in my head.

Former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic.

“April 28th. Will never forget the day, I just wanted the pain and the suffering to stop. I pulled myself off the edge, don’t even know how I managed to do it. Getting professional help saved my life.

“This is not easy to write but I have always been open, honest and vulnerable with you all and I deeply believe in the power of sharing our stories to help us get through things and to help each other. I am writing this because I know I am not the only one struggling.

“Just know that you are not alone. I am not going to say that I am doing great now but I am definitely on the road to recovery. Some days are better than others and sometimes I take a step forward and then a step back but I’m fighting and I believe I can get through this.

“I believe in the following: it’s ok to feel what I am feeling. It’s ok to feel sad just keep fighting and come back. That’s what I am trying to do and that’s what keeps me going.

“Don’t be ashamed of what you are feeling. It’s ok to feel this way and you can come back from it. It’s possible, just keep believing. Love you all and here is to fighting and surviving to live and see another day. I will be back stronger than ever.”

You can see the pain in Jelena Dokic's eyes. She is a remarkable, beautiful person. All love to her on her road to recovery.

— Rohan Smith (@Ro_Smith) June 13, 2022

Australian Olympic champion Anna Meares commented on the post: “You are enough. You are worthy. Your pain will heal. Be kind to yourself and if you can’t lean on those who can for now. We need you. We love you. You’re not alone. You will find peace, hang in there.”

Television personality Jacqui Felgate replied: “You are an inspiration jelena. All my love xx.”

Six months ago, Dokic announced her separation from long-time partner Tin Bikic.

She has served as a presenter and commentator for Channel 9 since retiring from tennis.

Last month, Australian tennis star Destanee Aiava revealed she attempted to take her own life in April, claiming she “did not want to make it” to her 22nd birthday.