Australia's Jelena Dokic said today her amazing Grand Slam comeback at Melbourne Park had changed her life as the nation's media hailed a prodigal daughter's return to the big time.
Australia's Jelena Dokic said today her amazing Grand Slam comeback at Melbourne Park had changed her life as the nation's media hailed a prodigal daughter's return to the big time.
The emotionally troubled Dokic entered the tournament as a wildcard ranked 187 in the world and captivated the Australian public with a barnstorming run to the final eight, tipping out three seeded players along the way.
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The former World No 4 and 2000 Wimbledon semi-finalist lost to World No 3 Dinara Safina yesterday but will break back into the top 100 on the back of her Australian Open efforts.
The 25-year-old will also have sponsors queuing at her door after becoming the darling of an Australian public which once reviled her when she renounced citizenship in her adopted country to represent Serbia.
She said support of the Melbourne Park crowd had been a major part of her success.
"It was great, I'm really looking forward to playing here again next year," she said.
"It's been amazing this comeback, the second part of my career started here, thanks to this crowd.
"Sometimes one or two matches can change a career and a life. I think that's what's happened here."
Dokic has put her decision to abandon Australia down to her domineering father Damir and described it as the worst mistake of her life.
An initially indifferent Australian public was won over when Dokic bared her soul after surviving the first round, describing how her career spiralled out of control and she was left depressed and estranged from her family.
The end of her dream run dominated front pages in Australia today, with newspapers celebrating the fighting spirit that saw her contest a Grand Slam record of five three set matches.
"Dokic fairytale ends - and even her opponent's sorry it's over," the banner headline in The Australian said, referring to Safina's apology to the Rod Laver Arena after her win for eliminating Dokic.
"Jelena's Dream Over," the Herald Sun front page said, continuing coverage in its sports section under the headline "Defeat isn't all bad news."
Melbourne's Age newspaper reported "The show must go on," concluding "Jelena Dokic bows out but proves she belongs back on the big stage."
Australian great Rod Laver also offered Dokic warm praise for her "tenacious" tennis.
"It's unbelievable what she's done this two weeks, playing under pressure like that," Laver said.
"To come back from the depression or just not being able to compete was quite uncanny," he added. She just plays well under pressure. That's the one thing that not many players have. Being able to play when the chips are down."
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