Aussies react to "horrific" details in Jelena Dokic's new doco

Jelena Dokic's inspiring story of resilience following the abuse she endured in the hands of her father, Damir Dokic, has left Australians in disbelief, following fresh details shared in the premiere of her new documentary  Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story on Wednesday night. 

At the age of 16, Dokic made it to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and a year later reached the semifinals, her best result at a grand slam. 

While it seemed like her career was thriving, behind the scenes things were a lot darker. 

In the documentary, Dokic recalled a horrific incident when she was knocked unconscious by her father, who had kicked her in the head following a loss. 

“I remember he was so mad that he goes into the bathroom with me, locks the door, and he beat the crap out of me,” she recalled. 

“He slammed my head against the wall multiple times. He was kicking me. My shins were so bruised, I couldn’t walk. He actually punches me in the head. And then I went unconscious for a little bit. He also stepped on my head as well.”

The documentary struck a chord with many Australians, with AFL great Brendan Fevola and sports journalists praising Dokic's resilience. 

“Watching the Jelena Dokic interview, her story is horrific,” Fevola wrote on X.

“So uncomfortable to watch. You should be so proud of the woman you have become mate. Everything you have achieved after tennis is incredible.

“You’re an inspiration to every Australian. Sending lots of love.”

Australian rugby league broadcaster and journalist Phil Gould simply said: “Jelena Dokic …”

“My goodness. The Jelena Dokic story is horrific. What she had to go through because of her abusive father. Damir Dokic is/was a monster," journalist Ray Gatt added. 

Fans also shared their reactions, with one writing: “This documentary showing how many systems failed a young girl for her to still be able to be involved in tennis is unbelievable.”

“Jelena Dokic documentary is horrifying. So many people failed her," another added. 

Since going public with her story, Dokic who is now estranged from her father, has become a leading tennis commentator and even impressed Australian Open viewers with her sincere on-court interviews at the competition. 

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