In a recent episode of "The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show," Jessica Rowe interviewed former tennis star Jelena Dokic, discussing the harrowing experiences detailed in Dokic’s memoir, "Unbreakable." The conversation highlighted the severe abuse Jelena, 41, endured from her father and coach, Damir Dokic. Jessica Rowe, 53, expressed her strong emotional reaction to reading about these events, revealing that it made her resent Damir.
Jelena recounted instances of physical abuse, including beatings with a belt or hard-capped boot and being knocked unconscious. Despite these traumatic experiences, Jelena shared that she does not harbor hatred towards her father, although she does not forgive him. She commented on her past attempts to reconcile with him, emphasizing the complexity of familial relationships and the hope for possible reconciliation.
Jelena’s memoir sheds light on a childhood marked by strict demands for perfection and severe consequences for perceived failures. Despite the abuse, she remains unwilling to let hatred define her response to her father’s actions.