Unbreakable:
The Jelena Dokic Story
This is the story of
Jelena Dokic’s
extraordinary survival.
Unbreakable is the story of how Jelena Dokic’s survived as a refugee, twice. How she survived on the tennis court to become world No. 4. But, most importantly, how she survived her father, Damir Dokic, the tennis dad from hell.
Unbreakable is not just a tennis story. It’s the story of Jelena Dokic’s survival, of her overcoming extraordinary odds, and of her ultimate triumph in the face of poverty, bullying and extreme brutality.
It’s about how she survived as a refugee, twice.
How she survived on the tennis court as she ascended to become world No.4.
But most importantly, how she survived the unimaginable abuse by Damir Dokic, her violent father and coach. It’s a story of growing up – never being alone, but always lonely. Ultimately, it’s the story of how the tennis world and a nation of fans chose to look away when Jelena needed them most.
The question is…why? Unbreakable features first hand testimony from Jelena, Australian and international tennis greats, including Mark Philippousis, Pam Shriver and Lindsay Davenport, as well as former WTA officials and journalists Chris Clarey of the NY Times and CBS 60 Minutes/Sports Illustrated reporter Jon Wertheim.
Why the need?
In October 2024 the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women & Girls released a report stating that violence against women and girls in sports is a serious and systemic human rights issue that demands immediate attention at all levels.
The Rapporteur wrote: “Women and girls in sports face multiple forms of violence, including economic, physical, psychological and online violence.” Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon at Monash University said the report should serve as wake up call to Australian sports clubs.
In Australia well over two million children up until 14 years of age are involved in organised sports, outside school hours. Close to another 2 million young people between 15 and 24 participate in sports every week.
The Foundation is working with outstanding partners Sport Integrity Australia and In Films to create change and maximise the impact of Unbreakable – The Jelena Dokic Story.
Children and young people should not bear the responsibility of ensuring their own safety, including in sports. Adults need to take responsibility to protect children from the harms of abuse, neglect and violence.
Resources
Need support?
If you or someone you care about is living with the effects of family, domestic and/or sexual violence, there is information and support available.
For adults concerned about a child, visit Crime Stoppers or ring them on 1800 737 732.
For kids/young people, visit Kids Helpline or ring them on
1800 551 800.