january-2010

Jelena
Dokic.
10
After her stunning return to tennis at
last year’s Australian Open, we check in
on the former world number four’s form
INTERVIEW RACHEL FARNAY JACQUES
The past year has been a
rollercoaster of highs and lows, how
would you rate your performance?
I think I had a good year, especially
considering that I was not completely
healthy this year. I played only about half
a year so considering that, I think my
year was good.
What has been the greatest
challenge in making your
“comeback”?
I had a long break from tennis so I had
to work harder than anybody and I had
to be very strong mentally. I had to do
everything from zero and make up all
the time that I missed on the tour.
What was your training program in
2009 like?
My training program was very good at
the beginning of the year, but when I
got injured and sick in the middle of the
year, I had to redo my whole schedule.
Now I spend more time getting stronger
physically, and looking after my nutrition
and health so that I can perform well
and not get injured or sick. Also, I’m very
careful about how much time I spend
doing physical work and how much
tennis I do.
What continues to fuel your passion
for tennis?
I love tennis so there is never any doubt
about my passion for the game. Even
when things are not going great I still
love what I do, and I wouldn’t change it
for anything in the world.
Which is your favourite tournament
to play?
There are a lot of great tournaments
throughout the year. I love the Australian
Open and Roland Garros from the Grand
Slams and Brisbane, Dubai and San
Diego from the regular tournaments.
The 2010 Brisbane International
versus the 2010 Australian Open…
do you have different strategies for
each tournament?
I’d obviously like to peak and be in my
best form for the Australian Open and
Brisbane, which I use as a warm-up for
the Australian Open. Brisbane is the fi rst
tournament of the year so I’d like to play
as many matches as possible.
Which players are going to be the
toughest opponents in 2010?
Every opponent is tough in her own way
and no match is easy.
What are your goals for next year?
I’d like to do well in the Grand Slams and
big tournaments, and I’d like to reach
the top 20.
What do you do to wind down?
I try to do relaxing things like going to
the cinema, listening to music, shopping
and sightseeing.
Which Jetstar destination is your
favourite for holidaying?
There are a lot of places I’d like to go
that I haven’t been yet. I think Fiji will be
my next holiday destination. (Jetstar will
commence fl ights to Fiji in March 2010,
pending regulatory approval.)
Catch Jelena Dokic at the Brisbane
International on 3–10 January and
the Australian Open in Melbourne on
18–31 January.
JANUARY 2010 7
10 MINUTES WITH...
Photo: Getty Images