Tennis great Jelena Dokic slams ‘evil, disgusting’ trolls who fat-shamed her during Australian Open

Australian tennis great Jelena Dokic has criticized the ‘disgusting, evil trolls’ who have attacked her on social media yet again while shaming the popular commentator.

The 39-year-old former star rose to world number 4 after beginning her career with one of the biggest upsets in tennis history against Martina Hingis at Wimbledon aged just 16.

But her life, which included growing up in poverty, recent suicidal thoughts and abuse at the hands of her father, has been anything but easy.

Just days after calling out the vicious keyboard warriors who seem to enjoy shaming her, Dokic was at it again, sharing a disgusting message she had seen from a fan.

“I really don’t think it’s fair for a whale like Jelena Dokic to take my joy of watching tennis and turn it into crap,” the vile troll wrote in a post the tennis legend shared on her Instagram.

All she does is say how good she is. I bet it would take you 10 minutes to run 100m. Please get rid of her. Just the sight makes me turn off.

Instead of ignoring the troll or harping on the insults, Dokic bravely blasted the horrific comments and shared them with his 106,000 followers on Instagram.

She even revealed that a lot of it came from other women, which she really disliked.

“The ‘body shaming’ and ‘fat shaming’ in the last 24 hours has been insane,” she wrote on Instagram.

‘They come from all over the world and a special greeting to a large part of them who come from Serbia as confirmed by the last image.

And yes, many of them are also women. So much for “women supporting women.”‘

She didn’t stop there.

The former junior champion, who has become a fan favorite for her insights into Channel Nine’s coverage of the Australian Open, lashed out at the embarrassing “baddie”.

‘This first photo? DEVIL. There is no other word for this. Nasty. People should be so ashamed,” Dokic wrote, accompanying a screenshot on the keyboard warrior’s post.

‘The most common comment is ‘what happened to it, it’s so big’? I’ll tell you what happened, I’m finding a way and surviving and fighting.

“It doesn’t really matter what I’m doing and what happened because size shouldn’t matter. Kindness and being a good person are issues that those of you who abuse me and others clearly are not.’

After winning 10 titles in his career, Dokic made the heartbreaking revelation that he came very close to taking his own life last year, because he “wanted the pain and suffering to stop.”

For someone to know that and take it lightly, and continue to abuse her online, is galling.

Last week, Dokic shared an abhorrent message that she called “a new low”: “As the Australian Open begins, Jelena Dokic will attempt suicide like she does every year,” a Serbian-language commenter wrote to her, with a laugh. emoji.’

But Dokic is determined to be a role model for those facing abuse and significant mental health issues, and call keyboard warriors.

‘What matters is their online abuse, bullying and fat shaming. That’s what matters because those of you who do it are evil, mean, mean, ignorant people,” her post continued.

I can and will get in shape for myself and my health, but you won’t become a better person.

The weight will change, but evil people will remain evil. I am here fighting for all those who are being abused and shamed.

‘I’ll also be nice and (be) the biggest person, unlike you trolls, and I won’t reveal his identity.

‘I love you all. Even the trolls, because you give me a lot of motivation and inspiration to do what I do and fight against people like you.

“To all those who support me and there are so many of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Fortunately for the Australian star, whose family emigrated when she was young from war-torn Yugoslavia, she has plenty of support.

Serena Williams’ former trainer Patrick Mouratoglou, who currently coaches superstar Dane Holger Rune at the Open, commented that he admired Dokic very much.

‘You’re doing a great job Jelena. Don’t even read those comments and don’t give them importance. You will always find unhappy/envious/negative people on social media,” she wrote in her post.

All they do all day is post horrible things about people that speak volumes about their own insecurities. Most love you, admire you and admire the amazing work you are doing!’

Australian TV personality Catriona Rowntree urged Dokic to consider giving up social media, given the hideous trolls, poignantly writing that her “brains, background and beauty are above and beyond.”

“Honestly get rid of social media, the fact is you’re doing an amazing job, that’s why you’re there, you wouldn’t be asked to do this if you weren’t considered the best at what you do,” he said. Commented the Getaway presenter.

‘Focus on that, keep on igniting, your brain, your bottom, your beauty are above and beyond.’

Paralympian Susan Seipel said Dokic was “unbelievable for calling out bullies”, while comedian Christian Hull wrote that she is “the most gorgeous, gorgeous human”. Continuously inspired by you.

The fiercest came from three-time gold medalist Carol Cooke, who urged Dokic not to do the trolls a favor by hiding their identities.

‘Jelena, you don’t need to cover their names. They need to not be able to hide behind a screen. Let’s name them and shame them. You’re amazing for going up against them and we’re all so proud of you!’