Jelena Dokic reveals troll’s horrifying message as attacks hit new low at Australian Open 

Former Australian women’s tennis star Jelena Dokic has been targeted by vicious trolls twice in just two days during the 2023 Australian Open.

The author and commentator on Channel 9’s coverage of the grand slam has revealed to horrible messages sent to her and revealed that the abuse toward her had reached unprecedented levels.

The message from the troll reduced Dokic to tears. She has previously appeared on social media in an emotional state to talk about her mental health battles

One message, written in Serbian and accompanied by a laughing emoji attempted to ridicule Dokic for her mental health struggles and previous admissions of feeling suicidal.  

‘Now that the Australian Open is starting, will Jelena Dokic try to kill herself like she does every year,’ the comment translates to in English. 

It was a savage blow that reduced Dokic to tears, saying she didn’t think the online trolling could get any worse until she had received this message.  

‘A new low and this actually made me cry this morning when I woke up and read it,’ she wrote.

‘Just when you think online abuse and trolling can’t get any worse. Almost 1 million people commit suicide in the world every year.

‘That’s scary and so sad and then people like this disgusting person and a few others out there make fun of it!? How disgusting. They should (be) ashamed of themselves.’

Dokic questioned why anyone would ‘write something like this and then even worse laugh about it?’.

‘A bad person, that’s who. And of course an ignorant one,’ Dokic wrote on Instagram.

‘I am thinking of all of those who have committed suicide, those who have wanted to, those who have lost friends and loved ones to suicide and all those struggling.

The second message sent to Dokic by an online troll during the Australian Open, accusing the former tennis star of using mental illness as a cash grab

‘I am fighting for all of those who feel like they don’t have a voice, who don’t feel like they are being heard, for those who are struggling, for those who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, have lost loved ones and friends to suicide and I am fighting against ignorance, bad people, trolls, online abuse and disgusting human beings.

‘So many are at their absolute breaking point so please be kind, caring and understanding.

‘Sending so much love to all the good people out there and especially to all those struggling.’ 

Dokic posted a length response on Instagram to the attacks by trolls during the Australian Open and called for people to be ‘kind, caring and understanding’

The horrific comment came just one day after another troll diminished Dokic’s struggles, claiming her book Unbreakable was just a cash grab.

‘Don’t believe everything you read either. Stories sell books which = $$ tennis is a very tough sport and most people are too week [sic] to make it,’ part of the comment read.

Dokic’s posts have garnered enormous support while the trolls have been heavily lashed by commenters, including Silvana Philippoussis – wife of former US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis.

‘Well done for calling this person out! I can’t believe what I’m reading- some people! Stay strong my love. You are so much more than your tennis. Your aura shines bright and some people simply can’t handle,’ she wrote.

Alize Cornet and Dokic share an embrace after the French star won her fourth round match at the 2022 Australian Open

 Nine Network’s Getaway host  Catriona Rowntree also offered her support.

‘We are with you, not always physically, but we have your back, rise above this and power on. You are meant for so much better than this mean spirited individual. Move on and UP,’ she posted. 

For help in a crisis call 000. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.