Australian tennis great Jelena Dokic still has dreams of being a mother
Despite her own tumultuous upbringing as a child and a young woman that left her forever mentally scarred, Dokic says she has so much love to give.
Dokic says she loves children and is even considering adoption.
'I actually think I would be a good mum, to be honest,' Dokic said on the podcast Mental As Anyone.
'I love kids.'
But, despite that, Dokic sadly admits that her parenting dream may never be realised.
'I don't think that that's going to happen for me,' she said.
'I was in a relationship for almost 19 years from the age of 20 and right up to when we split up, we were about to start trying for a family.'
Dokic ended her relationship with Tin Bikic in 2021.
Since then she has rebuilt her life (she has previously stated that she was a mess after their 19-year romance ended) and undergone a huge transformation, both mentally and physically.
The story about the abuse she suffered from her Serbian father Damir has also been detailed in the series Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story.
But Dokic revealed that the abuse never crushed her maternal instincts. Surprisingly, she said it might have even nourished them.
'Even 15 years ago, when I was 25, I always said, 'I want to have kids, but I want to adopt',' she said.
'Maybe it comes from when you grow up maybe in a home that's fractured and with pain and you go, maybe I can give something different to a kid that I know maybe will have the same, or they won't have parents or something like that.
'So I always felt like I wanted to do that for at least one kid in the world.
'That's a big kind of wish of mine and passion and I hope to do it one day.
'Did I at one stage maybe think, I didn't have the best experience and know a lot of people with parents and having that childhood and what would that mean for me?
'Because I know a lot people that have been through family violence or abuse, domestic violence, however you want to frame it, they are worried about that, whether they would be the same or if there's something there.'
Dokic said she would consider adopting a child, with or without a father.
'(But I'd) love it to have a father as well,' she said.
'I know that I can give it absolutely everything and would have all the love and support and I would be completely different and … I could never be that (like my father) ever.
'I know that yes, obviously, it's a challenge, which I would love. I would embrace it and take it on.
'I just love kids so much. I know I would be a bloody good mum and I know I would give it the love in the world of a million people.
'I have so much love to give.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
‘Giving racism': Internet unleashes on Aussie's Japan post
An Australian influencer and business owner has been grilled amid claims of cultural appropriation during her holiday to Japan. The internet unleashed at All For Mimi founder Sophia Begg, known online as Sopha Dopha, after she posted a series of photos capturing her first day in Tokyo to her Instagram. Begg can be seen posing against a vending machine sporting a polka dot bandana, bright pink shorts and a baggy white t-shirt branded with Japanese characters 'Suki' which translates to 'like' or 'love.' Subsequent photos show Begg and her two friends, including employee Bailey, indulging in matcha and ramen while exploring the city. The 21-year old's post also featured Chinese rapper SKAI ISYOURGOD's song Blueprint Supreme playing over the top. With a following of more than 660,000 on the platform, critics were quick to unload on the TikTok star. Sophia Begg in Tokyo, Japan. Credit: Instagram @sophadophaa_ 'This honestly reflects white privilege on another level… being able to pick and choose parts of someone else's culture for aesthetic without needing to understand or respect it. Meanwhile, we as Asians grow up being shamed or mocked for these same things. It's not just a song or a vibe, it's a lived culture, and treating it like a trend is harmful,' one person wrote. 'Look good but it's giving racism,' said another. A third added: 'The casual racism is sending me LMAO.' Many of the people unhappy with Begg's upload took issue with the song choice given it is in Mandarin and is not by a Japanese musician. 'Girl I love you but please the song isn't even in Japanese,' 'You should change the song or remove it. its not even Japanese,' Despite calls for the influencer to remove the audio from the post, Begg has not taken it down or responded to the negative comments.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'It's not just about one person': Dinosaur hero digs into community spirit
David Elliott still remembers the moment he heard his name read out at the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra last year. Surrounded by people whose stories left him humbled, the executive chairman of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum at Winton, Queensland, didn't expect to be called to the stage. "I was sitting there thinking about all the incredible Australians in the room," Mr Elliott said. "I had already decided it wasn't going to be me. So when my name came up as Australia's Local Hero for 2024, I think I just sat there for a second, stunned. It took a little while to sink in." For Mr Elliott, who has spent more than two decades unearthing dinosaurs in Queensland's red soil, the recognition wasn't about personal glory. It was about the team, the community and the idea that extraordinary things can grow from ordinary people with big dreams. With nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards closing on July 31, he hopes Australians will look closer at the unsung heroes in their own lives. Being named Australia's Local Hero in 2024 had created opportunities for the museum, Mr Elliott said. "Now when I go to talk to people, they know who you are and what you're doing. That credibility is really important. Before, a lot of them hadn't heard of us." While the museum already had strong partnerships in scientific circles, the award expanded its profile to the the broader public. "We were well known among researchers and universities, but not as much outside that world. "This recognition has helped change that. Recognition inspires people to keep going and often motivates others around them. It's not just about one person, it's about lifting a whole community." Out in Winton, a small town in Queensland's rugged heart, the pace of life has picked up since the award. Meetings, fossil digs and pushing forward a vision that began at his kitchen table with wife Judy more than 20 years ago has become all-consuming. This year, much of his energy is going into an ambitious plan for an Australian natural history museum. "We want to go beyond dinosaurs," Mr Elliott said. "This is about Australia's entire natural history, animals, plants, landscapes. It's our story, and what we're building now will inspire kids in 50 or 100 years." The groundbreaking dinosaur work continues. In June, the museum made global headlines with a world first: discovery of the preserved stomach contents of a Diamantinasaurus, nicknamed Judy. The find, including fossilised plants and dinosaur skin, drew international attention. "These discoveries entice people to visit and remind them that world-class science happens here too," he said. The buzz around a new Jurassic Park movie in cinemas has also been a boost: "It brings a wave of curiosity. As the museum grows and more fossils go on display, those numbers will keep rising". After his year as Australia's Local Hero, Mr Elliott finds conversations for the museum easier to start, potential partners more eager to listen and locals in Winton feeling proud. "It means I can walk into a meeting and people know the museum and what we stand for," he said. "That credibility is invaluable for a not-for-profit organisation. "It's about more than the museum, it's about showing that you can achieve big things no matter where you are, as long as you've got determination and community support." Mr Elliott urges Australians to think about the "extraordinary people all around us" for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. "The volunteer who shows up rain or shine, the teacher who goes above and beyond, the neighbour who's always helping others," he said. "They don't ask for attention, but their efforts change lives." The act of nominating someone was powerful: "That recognition can give people the push to keep going. It also inspires others to step up and make a difference. "When you're chosen, you carry the weight of all the people out there doing good who haven't been recognised yet. You feel like you've got to use the platform to highlight them too". Who inspires you? Who should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 awards at David Elliott still remembers the moment he heard his name read out at the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra last year. Surrounded by people whose stories left him humbled, the executive chairman of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum at Winton, Queensland, didn't expect to be called to the stage. "I was sitting there thinking about all the incredible Australians in the room," Mr Elliott said. "I had already decided it wasn't going to be me. So when my name came up as Australia's Local Hero for 2024, I think I just sat there for a second, stunned. It took a little while to sink in." For Mr Elliott, who has spent more than two decades unearthing dinosaurs in Queensland's red soil, the recognition wasn't about personal glory. It was about the team, the community and the idea that extraordinary things can grow from ordinary people with big dreams. With nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards closing on July 31, he hopes Australians will look closer at the unsung heroes in their own lives. Being named Australia's Local Hero in 2024 had created opportunities for the museum, Mr Elliott said. "Now when I go to talk to people, they know who you are and what you're doing. That credibility is really important. Before, a lot of them hadn't heard of us." While the museum already had strong partnerships in scientific circles, the award expanded its profile to the the broader public. "We were well known among researchers and universities, but not as much outside that world. "This recognition has helped change that. Recognition inspires people to keep going and often motivates others around them. It's not just about one person, it's about lifting a whole community." Out in Winton, a small town in Queensland's rugged heart, the pace of life has picked up since the award. Meetings, fossil digs and pushing forward a vision that began at his kitchen table with wife Judy more than 20 years ago has become all-consuming. This year, much of his energy is going into an ambitious plan for an Australian natural history museum. "We want to go beyond dinosaurs," Mr Elliott said. "This is about Australia's entire natural history, animals, plants, landscapes. It's our story, and what we're building now will inspire kids in 50 or 100 years." The groundbreaking dinosaur work continues. In June, the museum made global headlines with a world first: discovery of the preserved stomach contents of a Diamantinasaurus, nicknamed Judy. The find, including fossilised plants and dinosaur skin, drew international attention. "These discoveries entice people to visit and remind them that world-class science happens here too," he said. The buzz around a new Jurassic Park movie in cinemas has also been a boost: "It brings a wave of curiosity. As the museum grows and more fossils go on display, those numbers will keep rising". After his year as Australia's Local Hero, Mr Elliott finds conversations for the museum easier to start, potential partners more eager to listen and locals in Winton feeling proud. "It means I can walk into a meeting and people know the museum and what we stand for," he said. "That credibility is invaluable for a not-for-profit organisation. "It's about more than the museum, it's about showing that you can achieve big things no matter where you are, as long as you've got determination and community support." Mr Elliott urges Australians to think about the "extraordinary people all around us" for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. "The volunteer who shows up rain or shine, the teacher who goes above and beyond, the neighbour who's always helping others," he said. "They don't ask for attention, but their efforts change lives." The act of nominating someone was powerful: "That recognition can give people the push to keep going. It also inspires others to step up and make a difference. "When you're chosen, you carry the weight of all the people out there doing good who haven't been recognised yet. You feel like you've got to use the platform to highlight them too". Who inspires you? Who should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 awards at David Elliott still remembers the moment he heard his name read out at the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra last year. Surrounded by people whose stories left him humbled, the executive chairman of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum at Winton, Queensland, didn't expect to be called to the stage. "I was sitting there thinking about all the incredible Australians in the room," Mr Elliott said. "I had already decided it wasn't going to be me. So when my name came up as Australia's Local Hero for 2024, I think I just sat there for a second, stunned. It took a little while to sink in." For Mr Elliott, who has spent more than two decades unearthing dinosaurs in Queensland's red soil, the recognition wasn't about personal glory. It was about the team, the community and the idea that extraordinary things can grow from ordinary people with big dreams. With nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards closing on July 31, he hopes Australians will look closer at the unsung heroes in their own lives. Being named Australia's Local Hero in 2024 had created opportunities for the museum, Mr Elliott said. "Now when I go to talk to people, they know who you are and what you're doing. That credibility is really important. Before, a lot of them hadn't heard of us." While the museum already had strong partnerships in scientific circles, the award expanded its profile to the the broader public. "We were well known among researchers and universities, but not as much outside that world. "This recognition has helped change that. Recognition inspires people to keep going and often motivates others around them. It's not just about one person, it's about lifting a whole community." Out in Winton, a small town in Queensland's rugged heart, the pace of life has picked up since the award. Meetings, fossil digs and pushing forward a vision that began at his kitchen table with wife Judy more than 20 years ago has become all-consuming. This year, much of his energy is going into an ambitious plan for an Australian natural history museum. "We want to go beyond dinosaurs," Mr Elliott said. "This is about Australia's entire natural history, animals, plants, landscapes. It's our story, and what we're building now will inspire kids in 50 or 100 years." The groundbreaking dinosaur work continues. In June, the museum made global headlines with a world first: discovery of the preserved stomach contents of a Diamantinasaurus, nicknamed Judy. The find, including fossilised plants and dinosaur skin, drew international attention. "These discoveries entice people to visit and remind them that world-class science happens here too," he said. The buzz around a new Jurassic Park movie in cinemas has also been a boost: "It brings a wave of curiosity. As the museum grows and more fossils go on display, those numbers will keep rising". After his year as Australia's Local Hero, Mr Elliott finds conversations for the museum easier to start, potential partners more eager to listen and locals in Winton feeling proud. "It means I can walk into a meeting and people know the museum and what we stand for," he said. "That credibility is invaluable for a not-for-profit organisation. "It's about more than the museum, it's about showing that you can achieve big things no matter where you are, as long as you've got determination and community support." Mr Elliott urges Australians to think about the "extraordinary people all around us" for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. "The volunteer who shows up rain or shine, the teacher who goes above and beyond, the neighbour who's always helping others," he said. "They don't ask for attention, but their efforts change lives." The act of nominating someone was powerful: "That recognition can give people the push to keep going. It also inspires others to step up and make a difference. "When you're chosen, you carry the weight of all the people out there doing good who haven't been recognised yet. You feel like you've got to use the platform to highlight them too". Who inspires you? Who should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 awards at David Elliott still remembers the moment he heard his name read out at the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra last year. Surrounded by people whose stories left him humbled, the executive chairman of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum at Winton, Queensland, didn't expect to be called to the stage. "I was sitting there thinking about all the incredible Australians in the room," Mr Elliott said. "I had already decided it wasn't going to be me. So when my name came up as Australia's Local Hero for 2024, I think I just sat there for a second, stunned. It took a little while to sink in." For Mr Elliott, who has spent more than two decades unearthing dinosaurs in Queensland's red soil, the recognition wasn't about personal glory. It was about the team, the community and the idea that extraordinary things can grow from ordinary people with big dreams. With nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards closing on July 31, he hopes Australians will look closer at the unsung heroes in their own lives. Being named Australia's Local Hero in 2024 had created opportunities for the museum, Mr Elliott said. "Now when I go to talk to people, they know who you are and what you're doing. That credibility is really important. Before, a lot of them hadn't heard of us." While the museum already had strong partnerships in scientific circles, the award expanded its profile to the the broader public. "We were well known among researchers and universities, but not as much outside that world. "This recognition has helped change that. Recognition inspires people to keep going and often motivates others around them. It's not just about one person, it's about lifting a whole community." Out in Winton, a small town in Queensland's rugged heart, the pace of life has picked up since the award. Meetings, fossil digs and pushing forward a vision that began at his kitchen table with wife Judy more than 20 years ago has become all-consuming. This year, much of his energy is going into an ambitious plan for an Australian natural history museum. "We want to go beyond dinosaurs," Mr Elliott said. "This is about Australia's entire natural history, animals, plants, landscapes. It's our story, and what we're building now will inspire kids in 50 or 100 years." The groundbreaking dinosaur work continues. In June, the museum made global headlines with a world first: discovery of the preserved stomach contents of a Diamantinasaurus, nicknamed Judy. The find, including fossilised plants and dinosaur skin, drew international attention. "These discoveries entice people to visit and remind them that world-class science happens here too," he said. The buzz around a new Jurassic Park movie in cinemas has also been a boost: "It brings a wave of curiosity. As the museum grows and more fossils go on display, those numbers will keep rising". After his year as Australia's Local Hero, Mr Elliott finds conversations for the museum easier to start, potential partners more eager to listen and locals in Winton feeling proud. "It means I can walk into a meeting and people know the museum and what we stand for," he said. "That credibility is invaluable for a not-for-profit organisation. "It's about more than the museum, it's about showing that you can achieve big things no matter where you are, as long as you've got determination and community support." Mr Elliott urges Australians to think about the "extraordinary people all around us" for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. "The volunteer who shows up rain or shine, the teacher who goes above and beyond, the neighbour who's always helping others," he said. "They don't ask for attention, but their efforts change lives." The act of nominating someone was powerful: "That recognition can give people the push to keep going. It also inspires others to step up and make a difference. "When you're chosen, you carry the weight of all the people out there doing good who haven't been recognised yet. You feel like you've got to use the platform to highlight them too". Who inspires you? Who should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 awards at
Courier-Mail
5 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Three Aussies a day celebrate their wedding aboard Princess Cruises' Love Boat
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. It is a love story for the ages, and it all began on The Love Boat. When Princess Cruises events and guest services supervisor Louie Engelbrecht looks back on all the weddings he has organised, which averaged around three a day on Royal Princess during the last Australian summer season, one truly stands out. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY 'My most unforgettable wedding was for a couple in their 70s. They had met aboard the original Love Boat many years ago and then by chance met again on another Princess ship,' Engelbrecht says. Cue the theme song from the popular 1980s TV show where special guest stars from Andy Warhol to Betty White found romance on the high seas under the navigation of Captain Merrill Stubing. 'This couple had never forgotten each other so their meeting by chance was very special, (then) they were engaged aboard Royal Princess during her 2023-24 summer season and then decided to marry on Royal Princess last summer season 2024-25.' Engelbrecht says that wedding day was pure magic, a ceremony filled with romance. 'When she walked down the aisle, the groom's eyes sparkled with a love so genuine, as if it was the very first moment they saw each other more than 50 years ago. There were no dry eyes in the house,' he says. The Princess team organise it all, from sunset ceremonies to parties. Picture: Supplied. Forget expensive wedding venues and catering, a wedding at sea could be the perfect way to tie the knot. And it's a destination wedding with a difference – all the guests celebrate with you on your honeymoon. Engelbrecht says the Princess team organise it all, from sunset ceremonies to parties. And unlike land weddings when venues sometimes need to be secured years ahead, there is no such planning needed at sea. 'I would recommend planning your wedding with Princess at least two months in advance,' says Engelbrecht. 'The process begins simply by filling out a form online with your preferences for flowers, cake, music, and vows and upon boarding, you will be greeted by your dedicated wedding co-ordinator, who will guide you through every step of your planned event.' Around three couples a day got married on Royal Princess during the last Australian summer season. Princess Perfect Weddings offer legal or symbolic ceremonies on sea days, officiated by the captain. Planning for a wedding on-board is done via a wedding portal, allowing guests to hold a date while customising, and there are bespoke packages available. For example, the Timeless Ceremony at Sea for a couple plus eight guests includes the ceremony, flowers, a cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, a toast, photography including a digital USB and prints, a romantic breakfast, premium stateroom gifts, and a certificate. The price? From $US3995. Engelbrecht says vow-renewal ceremonies are also popular. 'One highlight over the recent summer season in Sydney was our Valentine's Day mass vow renewal on the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and Australia where several couples renewed their vows with the captain and our crew,' he says. 'It was very special for all involved –we are the Love Boat, after all.' Originally published as A cruise ship is the ultimate destination wedding
