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General News

5 February, 2024

Former world number four Jelena Dokic to present her new book, Fearless in Maryborough

The Australian Open may have finished recently, but tennis fans will get a prolonged treat, with former world number four and renowned commentator Jelena Dokic coming to Maryborough to discuss her new book, Fearless, as part of the Words In Winter...

By Michael Thompson

Former world number four Jelena Dokic to present her new book, Fearless in Maryborough - feature photo

The Australian Open may have finished recently, but tennis fans will get a prolonged treat, with former world number four and renowned commentator Jelena Dokic coming to Maryborough to discuss her new book, Fearless, as part of the Words In Winter program.

Ms Dokic’s story is one of bouncing back from adversity and violence, which was portrayed in her first book, Unbreakable.

Fearless is a book which details her path to regain control of her life and re-establishing her profile after her tennis career was taken away from her, and is now highly regarded on the tennis circuit as a leading expert commentator, as well as a motivational speaker.

The event will be held on Friday, February 16 from 2 to 4 pm, with attendees urged to dress in their best tennis outfit, while Ms Dokic will also be signing copies for her new book.

The Maryborough Tennis Centre’s Heather Carr says it is exciting to have Ms Dokic bring her story to Maryborough through Janice Simpson and the Words In Winter program.

“Janice approached us to see if we could provide the venue for the event, which was quite appropriate because of the tennis connection, and we’re hoping to get a good selection of the community there. The ticket pricing is very reasonable to attend, and for us, it’s a very big deal,” she said.

“It’s exciting, the last time we had someone of big note at the tennis club was Evonne Goolagong, which was around the year 2000.”

It’s a level of excitement that is matched by Ms Simpson.

“I kept my eye out for new releases that may be of great interest, so I approached Penguin last year and finally got a date early this year,” she said.

“I asked if the tennis club would be interested in hosting Jelena, as it was the obvious venue for me, and Heather was excited by the prospect, and has been so active and cooperative since we locked in the date, and she’s doing all sorts of things, which is fantastic.”

Both Ms Simpson and Ms Carr urged school groups, particularly young girls, to attend the event, given Ms Dokic’s courageous story.

“We have touched base with the three schools and any school group that could support in any way they could, particularly girls. I think it is valuable for girls to hear someone like Jelena. She’s been a great role model for a lot of young women based on her background,” Ms Carr said.

Ms Simpson echoed those sentiments.

“We all recognise that young women in particular need to hear stories which may resonate with them, and Jelena’s story of her father’s abuse and criminal abuse will resonate with some of our young women in this community, and I think it is important that stories are out there so that everybody can take from them what they need, regardless of what the story is,” she said.

“We are hoping for 100 people all up. We have sold a quarter of the tickets so far, but some of the 100 will be school groups as well. I’ll urge people to get a ticket as soon as possible.”

With the dress theme centred around tennis outfits, Ms Simpson hoped that Ms Dokic could judge the best dressed on the day, while also confirming Member for Ripon Martha Haylett will be in attendance.

“A bit of fun never goes astray. I’m hoping Jelena will agree to judge fashions on the field, so to speak, and Heather is organising some tennis gear, and we should have a bit of fun,” she said.

“Martha has accepted our invitation to come.”

Tickets can be purchased for $20 for an adult, and $10 for a student, through the Words In Winter — Central Goldfields Facebook page.

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