Former tennis star Jelena Dokic has taken aim at sections of the media for publishing false stories about her relationship, calling out what she described as “online pressure” and “false information based on absolutely zero truth”.
Speculation about a supposed split from her partner, Yane Veselinov, began circulating after Dokic shared a reflective Instagram post about removing toxicity from her life. Some outlets wrongly linked her comments to her relationship status – prompting a furious response from the 41-year-old, who said the rumours were not only untrue but harmful.
“ABSOLUTELY NOT OK!!!” Dokic wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. “One day we are engaged, the next we are broken up and then we are married and then we are broken up again. You never know how you might affect someone, especially when it comes to personal things like relationships which you actually know nothing about.”
She accused journalists of chasing “headlines and clicks” at the expense of integrity and warned that such behaviour can deeply affect people’s mental health. “Is this much different to online trolling or bullying?” she asked. “Please, stop. Stop the headlines, articles and the lies because they have a massive effect on people.”
Dokic said her original post was meant to encourage positivity and self-care, not to hint at a breakup. “It had absolutely nothing to do with my relationship but about helping people who might be struggling,” she clarified. “Me and my partner are very much in love.”
Appearing on Today Extra on Thursday, Dokic expanded on her message, telling host Richard Wilkins that she wasn’t surprised by the media’s reaction but felt compelled to speak out. “I’m trying to use my platform for something good,” she said. “It’s about kindness, empathy and respect – not gossip and judgment.”
The former world No. 4 also used the appearance to promote her new role as an ambassador for World Vision’s 1000 Voices for 1000 Girls campaign, which highlights the struggles of vulnerable girls worldwide ahead of the International Day of the Girl on October 11.
“I’m honoured to be part of something that’s about empowering others,” she said. “But I also hope we can show the same empathy and respect to people here at home – because words matter.”
Images: Instagram
