Dokic hopes to regain fans and form

Jelena Dokic says she wants to "reconnect" with the Australian public after officially nominating for the Australian Open wildcard play-off.


In her first interview since embarking on her latest comeback, Dokic spoke of her wish to be accepted by her adopted country and a desire to return to the top echelons of the game.

"I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the Australian public and fans," Dokic told The Sun-Herald.

"I needed some time away from the game to sort through some personal issues but now I'm back and very focused.

"I've been working very hard in training and I'm hopeful that things turn out well."

Dokic boasted a career-high ranking of world No.4 in 2002, eight years after emigrating from her native Serbia with her family.

A Wimbledon semi-finalist, Dokic's career has been in freefall since changing her nationality to Yugoslavian and then Serbian after father Damir claimed the Australian Open draw was rigged against her.

The 24-year-old has no rankings points and an arbitrary computer ranking of 9999 after her sabbatical.

She has earned almost $US3.8 million ($4.3 million) in prizemoney but did little to add to that tally this season, pocketing a meagre $US123 ($139) from a single Futures Tour appearance.

However she believes her climb back to the top can begin with Australian Open qualification and has taken the first step by requesting a spot in the wildcard play-off. Tennis Australia is expected to officially grant her a place on Tuesday.

"I'd love to play in the Australian Open again," Dokic said. "I want to play as many tournaments as I can.

"In my own mind I'd like to think that by the end of 2008 I could be somewhere in the top 50. I know that's something I can do."

Now based in Melbourne, Dokic has begun a gruelling practice regime. She has been on court for up to four hours a day, six days a week at Melbourne Park, hitting mainly against national academy players, as well as academy coaches Chris Mahony and Ashley Naumann.

Last Monday she practised against compatriot and former world No.8 Alicia Molik.

Having seemingly sorted out her personal issues - she has fallen out with her controversial father - Dokic is aiming to make her first Australian Open appearance since her first-round exit to Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano in 2006.

"I missed tennis so much and it means so much to be here and playing again," she said of her time away from the game.

"I'm really excited to be back playing tennis and it's great to be back here in Australia."

The Olympic semi-finalist has been training without a coach but is hoping to play in one of the Australian Open lead-up events, the Australian Women's Hardcourts on the Gold Coast or the Hobart International.

Dokic said she was inspired by the stunning comebacks of Jennifer Capriati, Mary Pierce and Andre Agassi after long periods out of the game.

"They have shown it can be done, but it takes a lot of hard work," she said.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley welcomed Dokic's wildcard nomination.

"It's great to know Jelena is eager to get back competing," he said. "She has been training hard."

Meanwhile, Mark Philippoussis ended months of speculation by entering the Australian Open play-off from December 15-21.

The 31-year-old is likely to use his protected ranking of No.119 to ensure his acceptance into the battle for a main draw berth.

Philippoussis, who recently starred in the reality TV show Age of Love, has been training in Adelaide with Davis Cup coach Darren Cahill.

Source: stuff.co.nz