Five minutes with … JELENA DOKIC
THE AUSSIE TENNIS CHAMP IS HAPPY WITH HER COURTSIDE ROLE
She was one of the world’s top tennis players for nearly two decades, but after retiring in 2014 due to injuries, Jelena Dokic doesn’t mind she’s no longer centre court. This summer, the former world No. 4 will be back at her old stomping ground, the Australian Open, as a commentator with Nine Network.
“I love that I can still be part of the sport I love so much,” the 38-year-old tells WHO. “I love the adrenaline that comes with commentating live, it really puts me on the spot, as well as giving me a platform to share my tennis knowledge to the viewers and fans,” she adds.
Is there anything you miss about playing tennis yourself?
I think once you’re an elite athlete, you’re always going to miss parts of it – the competition, playing in front of crowds, the travelling. But also as a tennis player you know that isn’t going to go on forever. I’m happy I got to experience that. Sometimes I do miss getting out there and having a hit but, at the same time, I’m also happy with retirement.
Who are the players we should look out for at this tournament?
There are so many great players and so much depth to the women’s and men’s
draw this year, but I’m going to go with Ash Barty.
I genuinely believe this could be her year, especially after winning Wimbledon. With the men’s draw, it’s very open and there are a lot of young players coming through, so it’s going to be very interesting to see who is still in at the business end of the tournament.
What makes the Australian Open so special?
There is de nitely a reason it’s called the “Happy Slam”. Not to be biased, but I do believe it’s the best Grand Slam in the world and it just gets better every single year. The Australian Open is constantly upgrading the players’ facilities. This year there’s a new court. It’s such an incredible precinct, with lots of entertainment for everyone, and there’s even a beach on-site.
The tournament really looks after you and everyone involved.
There is just something special about the
Australian Open.
(The Australian Open airs from Mon., Jan. 17 on Nine Network)from