Early Tennis Career and Domestic Abuse

Yelena Dokic's early tennis career was remarkable, marked by her impressive victories, including defeating the world number one at Wimbledon at just 16. However, her rise in the sport was overshadowed by the disturbing reality of her abusive relationship with her father, who was both her coach and tormentor. Since the age of six, he had subjected her to physical and emotional abuse, which intensified as her success grew, creating a toxic dynamic where her achievements were marred by fear and violence. Yelena's experiences highlight the critical discussions around athlete welfare and the importance of support systems in sports, particularly for young competitors facing personal challenges.