Damir Dokić

Damir Dokić (Serbian: Дамир Докић, born 1950s) is the father and former coach of female tennis player Jelena Dokić,^[1] who gained some notoriety for causing various incidents.

Dokić is a self-proclaimed veteran of the war in Croatia where he fought on the side of the Serb rebels (supported by the JNA).^[2] He is also a brandy manufacturer for plum and pear Eagle Brandy.^[2]

At the 2001 Australian Open Dokić claimed irregularities in the draw after Jelena's first-round loss to Lindsay Davenport and he was banned from the tournament due to abusive behavior. He later said "I think the draw is fixed just for her".^[3]

He featured in a series of ads in the 2002 Australian Open by Kia Motors, the title sponsor of the event, poking fun at his past misconduct. Kia defended the choice, citing 98 per cent recognition of him, and saying that he would not be too expensive.^[4]

In June 2009 he was convicted and sentenced to 15 months in prison for threatening the Australian ambassador to Serbia with a hand grenade, for causing public endangerment and for illegal possession of weapons. He appealed the sentence but it was upheld in September 2009.^[5] Following a further appeal the sentence was reduced to 12 months^[6] and Dokic was released from jail in April 2010.^[7]

References