News Feature

Croatian coach's player gets wildcard

23 December 2008

Jelena Dokic, a tennis player who is trained by a Croatian coach, has won a wildcard entry into next month's Brisbane International tournament.

The 25-year-old won the Australian Open wildcard playoff last weekend and is currently ranked number 178 in the world, but was formerly number four.

Dokic, coached by Croatian Borna Bikic, joins fellow Australians Samantha Stosur and Jarmila Gojdosova in the event which will begin on January 4th.

Tournament director of Brisbane International Steve Ayles said Dokic showed she still has what it takes last week at the Australian Open playoff.

"She is hitting the ball crisply and is regaining form and will be a real contender at the Brisbane International," he added.

Athletes including high jumper Blanka Vlasic, gymnast Filip Ude and the women's table tennis and men's handball national teams were recently recognised at a ceremony.

The sportspeople were winners of the Croatian Olympic Committee awards, which were presented at the event in Zagreb's National Theatre last week, javno.com said.

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