Jerena Dokic has shared the news on Instagram that her father, Damir, has died. He was reportedly 67 years old and passed away on May 16, 2025, as per her social media post.
“My father passed away late on 16.05.2025,” she stated. She elaborated that her relationship with him has been difficult and painful, filled with a complicated history.
“Even though things have been hard, and especially in the last decade, losing a parent, even one you are estranged from, is never an easy experience.” She reflected on the sadness that accompanies such a loss.
Jerena, who turned 42 last month, is a well-known figure in the Australian sports community. She has endured physical and emotional abuse from her father but has since crafted a successful career as a commentator and writer.
In her post, she expressed “mixed feelings” about Damir’s passing but is trying to focus on the positive memories they shared. “I have lots of contradictory emotions right now. So at the end of this chapter, I’m choosing to focus on the good memories, like this photo.”
She emphasized the importance of grace, kindness, and empathy in this situation, asking for respect for her family’s privacy during this time. “Thank you to everyone who has checked in on me recently and has been supportive through this tricky situation,” she added.
Jerena’s post has drawn an outpouring of support from a wide range of people, including notable figures in Australian sports. The post, shared around 6:15 PM, has garnered over 21,000 likes and 1,700 comments.
Comments from friends and supporters reflected admiration for her strength, with remarks like, “You’re an amazing woman… I send you so much love” and “I’m proud of how far you’ve come.” Others simply expressed their thoughts and support for her as she navigates her complex feelings.
Over the years, Jerena Dokic has inspired many with her story of resilience. She recently revealed that although she doesn’t hate her father, she can never forgive him for the abuse she endured.
Jerena entered the tennis scene as a Wimbledon qualifier in 1999 at just 16, reaching the semi-finals the following year. However, her career was overshadowed by her difficult relationship with her father, who forced her to switch national allegiances from Australia to Yugoslavia.
Born in Croatia, Jerena moved to Australia when she was 11, a decision she later regretted. As her career progressed, the pressures from her father’s influence became more apparent, leading to significant struggles that were only recently acknowledged.
In a podcast episode, she described the physical abuse she experienced, saying, “I was kicked and punched, which forced me to navigate home life in a certain way while trying to maintain a brave face on the court.”
Jerena left home at 19, feeling the need to escape during a tennis tournament. Despite being a victim of her circumstances, she prefers to frame her identity as a survivor who has overcome adversity and achieved success. With her father’s recent passing, a significant chapter of her life is drawing to a close.
