This post deals with mental health and suicide and may be triggering for some readers.

Aussie tennis star Jelena Dokic has been courtside this week, working as a commentator at the Australian Open.

But, as she has shared on her social media today, her experience at the event has been tainted by trolls posting hateful comments about her body.

"The body shaming and fat shaming over the last 24 hours has been insane," Jelena wrote on Instagram alongside screenshots of some of the comments she's seen. "It's disgusting. People should be so ashamed."

In the same caption, Jelena explained that while the "evil" fat phobic messages are "insane", the most common comment she gets is a question – a question she has answered.

"The most common comment being: 'What happened to her, she is so big?' I will tell you what happened, I am finding a way and surviving and fighting. And it really doesn’t matter what I am doing and what happened because size shouldn’t matter. Kindness and being a good person matters which those of you that abuse me and others, are clearly not.

"What matters is your online abuse, bullying and fat shaming. That’s what matters because those of you that do it are just evil, bad, mean and ignorant people. I can and will get in shape for myself and my health but you will not become a better person.

"Weight will change but evil people will remain evil."

Jelena has been open about her mental health struggles in the past, sharing she almost took her own last year.

In an Instagram post published in June 2022, the tennis commentator and former world No.4 said she will "never forget" what happened on April 28, 2022.

"Everything is blurry. Everything is dark. No tone, no picture, nothing makes sense... just tears, sadness, depression, anxiety and pain," she wrote alongside a photo of herself crying.

"The last six months have been tough," she continued.

"It's been constant crying everywhere. From hiding in the bathroom when at work, to wipe away my tears so that nobody sees it. To the unstoppable crying at home within my four walls has been unbearable."

The 39-year-old went on to say that seeking professional help "saved her life" and she's now on the road to recovering.

"I am writing this because I know I am not the only one struggling. Just know that you are not alone. I am not going to say that I am doing great now, but I am definitely on the road to recovery."

"Some days are better than others and sometimes I take a step forward and then a step back, but I'm fighting and I believe I can get through this."

"Love you all and here is to fighting and surviving to live and see another day. I will be back stronger than ever," she concluded the post.

Fellow sporting stars were quick to show their support, including tennis player Mark Philippoussis, track cyclist Anna Meares and swimmer Leisel Jones.

"Just remember every day you get through is another page in your book. Stronger and stronger each day," Leisel commented under the post.

Following the brave way Jelena has opened up about her personal life and struggles, we feel its time to get to know this tennis great – so here's everything we know about Jelena Dokic's family life and career.

Jelena Dokic's early life and allegedly abusive father.

Before she became an Aussie tennis legend, Jelena was born and raised in war-torn Croatia.

She started playing tennis at six years old before her family fled to Serbia as refugees when she was eight.

Three years later, her family would relocate once more to Sydney, Australia.

Here, Jelena would forge her career as one of tennis’ golden girls.

At 16, she defeated world number one Martina Hingis at Wimbledon, and later achieved a career-high ranking of world No.4 in 2002.