Jelena Dokic reveals what’s really in the hosts’ mugs during Channel Nine’s Australian Open coverage
Former tennis champion Jelena Dokic has revealed a production secret in Channel Nine’s Australian Open coverage.
Dokic, 40, joined co-hosts Tony Jones and Dylan Alcott in the studio outside Rod Laver Arena and quickly asked about the mugs for them when she was introduced by Jones.
‘Still nothing in these cups? Not even water?’ she asked as she held up the branded Australian Open mug, to which Jones replied: “Jelena, you can help yourself to the drink.”
“But it’s your show…really? We are your guests?’ Dokic responded, before Jones quipped back, “Well, you guys can talk tennis and I’ll get you something.” What do you prefer?’
“At this stage I’ll take anything,” she said. ‘Gin?’ Jones joked, before all three hosts laughed off the playful exchange.
It comes as Jelena abruptly announced last Tuesday that she would have to leave her duties as a commentator at the Adelaide Open after suffering an infection.
“I have contracted a viral infection and I need to leave and return home to Melbourne as soon as possible,” she wrote on social media.
“I am so sad and disappointed because I absolutely love Adelaide and this great tournament but I have no choice.
Jelena Dokic has revealed a production secret during Channel Nine’s Australian Open coverage. Dokic, 40, joined co-hosts Tony Jones and Dylan Alcott in the studio outside Rod Laver Arena and quickly asked about the mugs in front of them. All depicted
‘Still nothing in these cups? Not even water?’ she asked Jones as she held up the branded Australian Open mug, to which Jones replied: “Jelena, you can help yourself to water.”
“But it’s your show…really? We are your guests?’ Dokic responded, before Jones joked, “Which would you rather have?” “At this stage I’ll take anything,” she said. ‘Gin?’ Jones joked, before all three hosts laughed off the playful exchange
‘Now to Melbourne and hopefully I will be fine soon and on Sunday for the start of the Australian Open. Fingers crossed.’
Australian fans were angry with Dokic, who has become a fan favorite and one of the leading voices for Nine’s tennis coverage.
However, on Sunday morning Dokic provided an uplifting update on her health situation before the matches started at Melbourne Park.
Dokic confirmed her participation in the Australian Open after contracting a viral infection
‘It’s almost time. Melbourne is ready, @australianopen is ready and I’m ready to go,” Dokic posted on Instagram alongside a photo of himself wearing an Australian Open lanyard.
‘Just got my accreditation, done all the adjustments and meetings and I’m ready.
“And what better way to mark the start of the @australianopen than with a photo in front of Melbourne’s sign with my accreditation in the tunnels of the @rodlaverarena.”
Dokic received an outpouring of well wishes from tennis fans who were happy to see she was on the mend.
‘So glad you’re back to work, it’s not tennis without comments from Jelena! Stay healthy,” one fan wrote.
‘Glad to see that you are feeling better and fitter! THAT DRESS! I love it!’ replied another.
Dokic (pictured in her playing days) received an outpouring of support following her post