Disclaimer: This article contains distressing discussions about domestic abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

Sport fans and community members have seen several star figures come and go from the scene.

One of tennis’ brightest stars shared an update regarding one of the most controversial figures in the sport.


Australian tennis fans and sport lovers remember Damir Dokic as one of the popular coaches of the sport.

However, some may also know him through the controversy that surrounded his relationship with his daughter, former world number four Jelena Dokic.

This week, Jelena announced the passing of Damir on 16 May.


For many, the Dokic name may conjure memories of triumph and turmoil.

Jelena’s rise to the top was meteoric, as she became a Wimbledon semi-finalist and a beacon of hope for Australian tennis.

Yet, behind the scenes, her journey was marred by a traumatic and challenging relationship with her father and coach.

In a heartfelt social media post, Jelena opened up about the complex emotions that came with losing a parent.


‘My relationship with my father has been difficult and painful with a lot of history,’ she wrote.

‘Despite everything and no matter how hard, difficult and in the last 10 years, even non-existent our relationship and communication was, it is never easy losing a parent and a father, even one you are estranged from.’

‘The loss of an estranged parent comes with a difficult and complicated grief,’ she added.

Despite the conflicting nature of their relationship, Jelena decided to remember her father fondly.

‘For the end of this chapter, I choose to focus on a good memory like this picture.’

‘As always and especially important to who I am as a person and what I want to stand for—which is respect, grace, kindness, dignity and empathy—I will and want to be that person in this situation too,’ Jelena concluded her message.

She also asked for privacy for herself and her family as they process the loss.


Damir Dokic was a controversial figure in the tennis world.

His actions often made headlines and overshadowed his daughter’s achievements on the court.

In 2009, Jelena revealed the extent of the abuse she suffered at his hands.

Her then-revelations shocked the sport industry and led to a public outcry.

Damir’s response to these allegations was equally troubling.

He threatened Australia’s ambassador to Serbia, which resulted in his arrest.

Authorities later on discovered an array of illegal weapons in his home.

Damir later claimed the threats toward the ambassador were a joke, and the weapons were war souvenirs.

Jelena’s 2017 autobiography, Unbreakable, chronicled some harrowing details of her childhood.

She recounted being beaten to the point of unconsciousness, whipped with a leather belt, spat on, and subjected to verbal abuse.


Jelena’s courage inspired countless others facing similar struggles and has since become a voice for abuse survivors.

Despite the pain of her past, Jelena’s response to her father’s death was a testament to her resilience and compassion.

She chose to focus on the positive, however small, and approached her father’s passing with empathy.

Learn more about Jelena Dokic's story here:

Her story should be a reminder that grief is normal, even during complicated family relationships.

Estrangement, reconciliation, and the loss of a parent could bring up a whirlwind of emotions.

It is also a reminder that every family has its own story, and healing can take many forms.

Our thoughts are with Jelena Dokic and her family during this difficult time.

May Damir Dokic rest in peace.
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