Jelena Dokic speaks at Jewish Care

Jewish Care Victoria held its New Friends of Monte annual lunch at Leonda on May 14, featuring a keynote address by former tennis superstar Jelena Dokic.

A two-time refugee, Dokic shared the bullying and racism she experienced as well as 15 years of her father’s emotional and physical abuse. Her father’s abuse began when she started playing tennis at the age of six and continued as she played at the highest levels – reaching world number 4.

Dokic shared she feared losing because it would result in his physical and verbal abuse, and after being defeated at Wimbledon her father refused to let her return to their hotel. The trauma led her to a breaking point at 22 – battling depression, anxiety and PTSD, and leading to her retirement from tennis.

Only when she was able to break free of her father’s control and share her true story was she able to reclaim her power. She has since released two best-selling books, Unbreakable and Fearless and an award-winning documentary.

Dokic is a respected sports commentator and an inspirational speaker who inspires others who have faced hardship to find their voice.