DOKIC: FATHER WAS VERY ABUSIVE

SYDNEY:

Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Jelena Dokic says her father physically, verbally and emotionally abused her from a young age when she started playing tennis. In an autobiography to be released this week, the 34-year-old Dokic says that Damir Dokic, who also was her coach, regularly beat her, pulled her hair and ears, kicked her and even spat in her face. She said her father also frequently directed vile insults toward her. “He beat me really badly,” the former No. 4-ranked Dokic was quoted as saying in Sydney’s Sunday Telegraph. “It basically started day one of me playing tennis. It continued on from there. It spiralled out of control.” “There were many in tennis at the time who were concerned for Jelena’s welfare, and many who tried to assist with what was a difficult family situation,” Tennis Australia’s statement said.