Jelena Dokic slams ‘disgusting’ treatment at Australian Open

Tennis great Jelena Dokic has revealed she has again been targeted by abusive social media trolls during the Australian Open

Former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic has called out two new instances of abusive trolling, describing them as “a new low”.

Dokic, who made the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2009 and has been open about her experience with family violence and her mental health struggles, said she was brought to tears on Friday morning by a “disgusting” post on her Instagram page.

“Now that the Australian Open is starting, will Jelena Dokic try to kill herself like she does every year,” a commenter wrote to her in Serbian, with a laughing emoji.

Dokic, who revealed in June she had considered taking her own life last April, swiftly called out the troll.

“A new low and this actually made me cry this morning when I woke up and read it,” she wrote.

“Just when you think online abuse and trolling can’t get any worse. Almost 1 million people commit suicide in the world every year.

“That’s scary and so sad and then people like this disgusting person and a few others out there make fun of it!? How disgusting. They should (be) ashamed of themselves.”

Jelena Dokic at this year’s Australian Open. Picture: Michael Klein

Jelena Dokic and her father Damir during her playing days. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The 39-year-old, who is part of Channel 9’s Australian Open commentary team, added: “What kind of a person “can write something like this and then even worse laugh about it?”

“A bad person, that’s who. And of course an ignorant one,” Dokic wrote on Instagram.

“I am thinking of all of those who have committed suicide, those who have wanted to, those who have lost friends and loved ones to suicide and all those struggling.

“I am fighting for all of those who feel like they don’t have a voice, who don’t feel like they are being heard, for those who are struggling, for those who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, have lost loved ones and friends to suicide and I am fighting against ignorance, bad people, trolls, online abuse and disgusting human beings.

“So many are at their absolute breaking point so please be kind, caring and understanding.

“Sending so much love to all the good people out there and especially to all those struggling.”

On Thursday, Dokic was targeted by trolls regarding the treatment she received from her father Damir, which included decades of abuse she has detailed in her 2017 biography Unbreakable.

“Enough is enough,” she wrote on Thursday.

“I will always speak up for and fight for what is right.

“It’s time to call it out and show it.”

Todd Woodbridge and Jelena Dokic. Picture: TENNIS AUSTRALIA/FIONA HAMILTON

Jelena Dokic has called out social media trolls again.

“Apparently it’s OK that I was abused, beaten to the point of being unconscious, beaten to the point of bleeding with a leather belt … because it was good for me and my tennis and I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”

Dokic was inundated with support from people slamming the trolls.

TV presenter Jacqui Felgate wrote: “You’re an inspiration. We adore you.”

Giaan Rooney commented: “This is horrific, but remember how many people adore you. You are doing an incredible job & we love watching you!”

Leisel Jones said: “I have no words nor will I waste my time or energy on this pond scum. “You are so loved regardless of your mental health status. I wish I was there to give you a big hug but a virtual one will have to do. Love you!

Dokic has previously slammed people for repeatedly body shaming her on social media.

It’s the latest instance of cruel social media trolls targeting Australian tennis players and commentators.

Nick Kyrgios’ manager Daniel Horsfall and doubles legend Todd Woodbridge have called out nasty posts in recent days.