With her fourth round win over Alisa Kleybanova at the Australian Open today, Jelena Dokic rejoins the ranks of top 100 players. And I join the ranks of teary-eyed fans rooting her on to victory.
There’s something about Jelena D. – probably that thousand yard stare of hers – that makes you know she’s tougher than anyone in the tournament. She’s a little like Justine Henin in that way: tennis obviously means everything to her, but for reasons having nothing to do with fame, money or even the joy of competition. It’s like she’s fighting for her soul, with only a tennis racket for a weapon.
Her performance last night/this morning (whenever) gave me shivers. Even the on-court interviewer seemed near tears. But she kept it together.
I recommend you track this match down on your DVR, if you didn’t happen to stay up all night watching it. These two girls played their hearts out. Big credit to Alisa Kleybanova, who is, for me, THE rising star of the tournament (despite my admited tennis snobbery.) After tonight, I have no doubt that she will win a major some day – seriously.
But this was Dokic’s battle. Kleybanova, like the rest of us, had to fall in behind.
Loading ...
