Aussie tennis star Jelena Dokic exposes the awful truth she was hiding in innocent photo at US Open

Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Jelena Dokic has shed light on the harrowing truth concealed behind a photo taken during her teenage years at the US Open. 

In a deeply personal Instagram post, Dokic, now 40, revealed the distressing experiences she endured, including depression, social media abuse, body shaming, and alleged violence inflicted by her father Damir throughout her career.

Sharing a photo of herself appearing distraught at a press conference, Dokic explained the torment she faced as a 17-year-old, having allegedly been physically assaulted by her father just weeks prior. 

‘Young, 17 years old, in a media storm, beaten unconsciously [sic] by my father only a few weeks earlier, trying so hard not to break down in the press conference,’ she wrote,

‘Dealing with my father’s public and drunken outbursts while the world judges me and the media has plenty of headlines.

‘Only a few years earlier, grew up in poverty, had no food on the table, had no clothes, was a refugee twice, bullied, isolated, faced racism.

‘What followed only a few years later after this image was taken was that I almost committed suicide.

‘Sad, broken, alone, in pain and deeply traumatised.

‘It’s made me who I am today and I am proud of that.’

The  Instagram post with the seemingly innocent photo of Jelena Dokic, with the tennis star revealing she had been beaten unconscious by her father just weeks before

At her peak, Dokic rose to No.4 in the world but there was untold pain and trauma behind the scenes as she climbed through the rankings

Dokic is vocal supporter of women who have suffered domestic violence and mental health issues, publishing her first book Unbreakable in 2017 in with the follow-up  Fearless: Finding the Power to Thrive to be released on September 12.

In her post, Jokic emphasised that behind every strong woman lies a broken girl who had to learn resilience and self-reliance. 

Her reason for sharing her story is to encourage open discussions about mental health, suicide prevention, domestic violence, bullying, and child abuse, hoping to eradicate the associated shame and stigma.

‘Behind every strong woman is a story that gave her no other choice but to be strong,’ she wrote.

‘And behind every courageous woman are days when she was alone, broken, crying endlessly and where she has been helpless.

‘There are lessons, battles, stories and struggles which she has fought alone.’

Dokic is now a media personality and published author and wants to share her experiences to help other women who have suffered abuse

Dokic has inspired women around the world with her words of strength and she will release her second book on September 12

‘There are deep scars and wounds that you can’t see and they are on her heart and soul,’ Jokic continues.

‘Each scar and wound tells a painful story but has made her who she is today. Wiser, stronger, braver.

‘Everyone has a story to tell that we know nothing about.  

‘So please be kind and let’s talk openly about the real issues in this world like mental health, suicide prevention, domestic violence, bullying and child abuse.’

Dokic’s candid account of her mental health battles and traumatic past has garnered widespread admiration. 

‘It’s not easy to be open about this stuff when you’re in the public eye. We are so lucky that you’re strong and brave enough to be vulnerable and honest,’ Australian comedian Rosie Waterland wrote.

‘Keep sharing your amazing stories,’ Big Brother Australia winner Regina Sorensen replied.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000.