Heartbroken' Dokic may quit first major
Sunday 4 January 2004 20.34 EST
Jelena Dokic's turbulent personal life is threatening to derail her planned comeback to the Australian Open in a fortnight's time.
Dokic has not played what used to be her home grand slam since being booed there in 2001 after choosing to play for Yugoslavia instead of Australia. This year, however Dokic was expected to return to Melbourne Park.
Now her participation has been put in doubt by news that she is said to be devastated after splitting up from her boyfriend of 18 months, the Brazilian racing driver Enrique Bernoldi.
Dokic was due to play at the ASB Classic in Auckland this week but withdrew, citing "personal reasons".
According to reports in the Australian press, the end of her relationship with Bernoldi has left her too heartbroken to play.
Bernoldi has been credited with helping the 20-year-old break away from her domineering father Damir, from whom she is now estranged. Damir, who was Dokic's coach, has publicly criticised both Bernoldi and his daughter.
Dokic is currently coached by Croatia's Borna Bikic and all mention of her father has been expunged from the WTA Tour's website profile of her.
To add to her woes, Dokic, whose ranking fell from a career-high No.4 to 15 after a succession of mediocre results last season, has also lost her endorsement deal with the clothing company Fila.
Despite the speculation, Dokic has not yet withdrawn from the Australian Open and is also still entered in next week's Adidas International.