Sport has gifted us many a legend. Each code has sparked conversations surrounding the Greatest of All Time, while matches have proved both entertaining and devastating; an outpouring of emotion from fans and players alike that could rival any Shakespearean tragedy. It’s something we were once again reminded of at the 2023 Australian Open and when Novak Djokovic made history with a record 10th Australian Open men’s singles title and 22 Grand Slams, he spoke to those watching at home, telling them to dream big and that those hardships and struggles encountered at a young age shape us into the people we are: people with character, mental toughness and resilience.
They are attributes Jelena Dokic is all too familiar with. Born and raised in war-torn Croatia, Dokic and her family fled as refugees to Serbia when she was eight, before eventually migrating to Sydney. Despite living on bread and butter in a run-down apartment, Dokic still managed to carve a name for herself as a junior in the world of tennis. It wasn’t long before she emerged on the professional circuit, even beating then-world number one Martina Hingis in the opening round of Wimbledon in 1999. She won her first WTA tour singles title in 2001 in Rome and in 2002, aged just 19, Dokic reached number four in the world.
Throughout her career, with her fierce determination and drive on court, Dokic endeared herself to fans around the world. But despite her success, hers has also been a story of intense hardship. Known for his frequent outbursts that saw him escorted from venues, Dokic’s father and coach also subjected her to abuse which she documents in her book, Unbreakable.
Since retiring in 2014 due to an injury that abruptly ended her career, Dokic has never shied away from speaking her truth. Much like the fighting spirit she exemplified on centre court, she’s also continued to live by the same principles, valuing authenticity at all times, even when it means speaking about those things considered taboo. When Dokic spoke up about her struggles with disordered eating and the vicious cycle that saw her struggle with binge-eating, over training and starving herself, many were quick to praise her courage. But in recent weeks since covering the 2023 Australian Open, Dokic has found herself the victim of cruel comments and trolling online as viewers targeted her weight.
Sharing screenshots of the messages she had received since taking up the role as commentator, Dokic wrote: “The body shaming and fat shaming over the last 24 hours has been insane and yes, a lot of them are women too, so much for women supporting women. People should be ashamed. The most common comment is, ‘what happened to her? She’s so big.’ I’ll tell you what happened: I am finding a way and surviving and fighting, and it really doesn’t matter what I’m doing or what happened, because size shouldn’t matter. Kindness and being a good person matters which those of you who abuse me and others, are clearly not. Weight will change, but evil people will remain evil.”
Dokic publicly posted about her weight loss some years ago, but admitted that the mental battle was ongoing. When she went through a tough relationship breakdown last year, she said she had come close to taking her own life but was bravely speaking out about it.
Support was quick to come from colleagues and fans alike as Dokic spoke up about the trolling. TV presenter Jacqui Felgate wrote, “You’re an inspiration. We adore you,” while Giaan Rooney commented, “This is horrific, but remember how many people adore you. You are doing an incredible job and we love watching you!”
Leisel Jones also wrote: “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!”
The comments are vile and offensive, highlighting just how far society has to go when it comes to breaking down narrow beauty ideals and those societal expectations placed upon women to fit into a certain category, particularly when it comes to television or sport. According to Psychology Today, recent studies have shown that following body positive accounts on social media can improve young women’s body image as it helps to deemphasise unattainable societal beauty ideals, something Dokic and Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt are looking to change.
To think society still believes you need to look a certain away to take up space on TV is a pressing concern, but in hitting back, Dokic has proven that how one looks should be the least interesting thing about them, that value should be found in their kindness and compassion.
If you or anyone you know needs support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 225 636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
