Tennis: Jelena Dokic's Second Chance A winner For Everybody
January 25th 2009 12:51
Showing what sport is all about, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley recalled the moment Jelena Dokic swallowed her pride, setting in motion a chain of events that have led to the feel-good story of this Australian Open.
The embrace with former Fed Cup team-mate Alicia Molik and on-court apology to Tiley on Friday night showed that old grudges had been forgiven.
Dokic was representing Australia again, not only the fans who cheered her, but at an official level as well.
Towards the end of last year, Dokic approached TA for another chance after turning her back on the country and unloading on leading officials.
Tiley explained that he listened to what she had to say and then told her: "We're not interested in pursuing anything further until you have apologised.
"Which she did verbally and then in writing. And with that agreed, we said you can come back with Australia and give it one last shot."
No financial support was given to her by Tennis Australia, but as a former world No 4 player, they offered her practice courts at Melbourne Park and access to coaching staff.
Tiley said he appreciated the on-court thank you from Dokic after her third-round win against Caroline Wozniacki.
"I was very appreciative of her recognising the time and effort that not just myself but others have done over the years to help Jelena," Tiley said.
"Personally it has been very satisfying to see her get through because I know the personal hardship she has been through. What she has had to endure and suffer and to see anyone come through that is very gratifying."
This has been the re-start of her career. Last month, she had a ranking to warrant entry into the Australian Open wild-card playoffs and won a place in the main draw.
That achieved, Tiley extended the goodwill by granting her a wildcard to the lead-up tournament in Brisbane, where she lost in straight sets to Amelie Mauresmo.
It would have been easy for TA to wipe their hands of Dokic, but, like Molik, an entire nation is happy to embrace a fallen star.
Daily Telegraph
The embrace with former Fed Cup team-mate Alicia Molik and on-court apology to Tiley on Friday night showed that old grudges had been forgiven.
Dokic was representing Australia again, not only the fans who cheered her, but at an official level as well.
Towards the end of last year, Dokic approached TA for another chance after turning her back on the country and unloading on leading officials.
Tiley explained that he listened to what she had to say and then told her: "We're not interested in pursuing anything further until you have apologised.
Jelena Dokic
"Which she did verbally and then in writing. And with that agreed, we said you can come back with Australia and give it one last shot."
No financial support was given to her by Tennis Australia, but as a former world No 4 player, they offered her practice courts at Melbourne Park and access to coaching staff.
Tiley said he appreciated the on-court thank you from Dokic after her third-round win against Caroline Wozniacki.
"I was very appreciative of her recognising the time and effort that not just myself but others have done over the years to help Jelena," Tiley said.
"Personally it has been very satisfying to see her get through because I know the personal hardship she has been through. What she has had to endure and suffer and to see anyone come through that is very gratifying."
This has been the re-start of her career. Last month, she had a ranking to warrant entry into the Australian Open wild-card playoffs and won a place in the main draw.
That achieved, Tiley extended the goodwill by granting her a wildcard to the lead-up tournament in Brisbane, where she lost in straight sets to Amelie Mauresmo.
It would have been easy for TA to wipe their hands of Dokic, but, like Molik, an entire nation is happy to embrace a fallen star.
Daily Telegraph
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