[Mjxhnapi]

Dokic was a pretty decent doubles player at one time. Kim and her won a couple of junior Slam titles. And she got to the finals at RG in ladies doubles with Conchita Banana some years back.

She can carve out a decent career if she's committed. Play enough singles and doubles that she puts some coin in her pocket. But I don't see her ever becoming a top 20 player again. Aside from the difficulties of coming back when she's going to be 26 next April are 1) what has always been a fragile body, and 2) the wildcard that is Jelena's life - She's been (allegedly) kidnapped and brainwashed, has had to deal with an insane father, has changed citizenship how many times, has been rumoured to have had boyfriend issues. With her, its not a question of whether she can escape the drama that has been a hallmark of her life, but rather how she deals with it when, inevitably, it rears its head again.

[genna]

Another comeback? Too little too late. Her father's oppressive hold on her ruined her ability to function on her own. I feel for her.

[formobilagsw]

Sigh.

Fellow tennis fans....we are going to have to re-visit this thread at the end of the 2009 season!

I say she can do it.....IF she wants to and stays healthy....

[apatteopipt]

Dokic was a pretty decent doubles player at one time. Kim and her won a couple of junior Slam titles. And she got to the finals at RG in ladies doubles with Conchita Banana some years back.

She can carve out a decent career if she's committed. Play enough singles and doubles that she puts some coin in her pocket. But I don't see her ever becoming a top 20 player again. Aside from the difficulties of coming back when she's going to be 26 next April are 1) what has always been a fragile body, and 2) the wildcard that is Jelena's life - She's been (allegedly) kidnapped and brainwashed, has had to deal with an insane father, has changed citizenship how many times, has been rumoured to have had boyfriend issues. With her, its not a question of whether she can escape the drama that has been a hallmark of her life, but rather how she deals with it when, inevitably, it rears its head again.

But look at Patty! She's top 20 even with many of the same issues.

[boleroman]

Sorry, but if you've been around THIS block a few times, you've seen these stories far too many times to buy into them. Lucic is clawing her way back to the big time, Tulyaganova is clawing her way back to the big time, Alexandra Stevenson () is clawing her way back to the big time....and get ready for the inevitable Chakvatedze is clawing her way back to the big time special in just a few months years.....

Of course, ya gotta love these players, and wish them the best. BUT- the Capriati-style comeback stories are SO rare. Generally, once you've slipped that far down in the rankings.....WELL, let's just say that the only truly big time that these girls are likely ever to see again is if they turn around and take a peek in the mirror after slugging down yet another Big Mac.

[HawksBurnDown]

Ya never know. Good luck!

[MaickiP]

If she stays healthy, she can to get into top 35-40. Not sure she could top that, save for a surprise very deep run at a major.

I think she'd need the surprise run to get into the 35-40 range.

Tamarine Tanasugarn explodes to mind.

[Mjxhnapi]

I wonder if Roberto Alomar is seeing anyone? Or has any spare Rosary beads? Pierce would be a real good person for Jelena to have on speed dial.

[genna]

Sorry, but if you've been around THIS block a few times, you've seen these stories far too many times to buy into them. Lucic is clawing her way back to the big time, Tulyaganova is clawing her way back to the big time, Alexandra Stevenson () is clawing her way back to the big time....and get ready for the inevitable Chakvatedze is clawing her way back to the big time special in just a few months years.....

Of course, ya gotta love these players, and wish them the best. BUT- the Capriati-style comeback stories are SO rare. Generally, once you've slipped that far down in the rankings.....WELL, let's just say that the only truly big time that these girls are likely ever to see again is if they turn around and take a peek in the mirror after slugging down yet another Big Mac.

Also when Capriati made her "comeback" she was a lot younger and was out of it just a few years. Dokic has been out of the game much longer and is older.

[formobilagsw]

Jelena won her first match of the playoff over a young Australian Sophie Letcher, 6-3 6-0.

A reminder on the format.... there are 16 people in the playoff (4 Roundrobin groups), the top 2 finishers from each group will advance to the QF stage where it then becomes single-knockout. Jelena is the #2 seed overall (Jess Moore is the #1, but she lost today 2 & 2...Ouch!), and the others in her group are Letcher, Mirkovic, and Wejnert (a talented young Aussie who won a $25k a few weeks back). Still, she should have no problem qualifying. Sophie Ferguson is the only other player of note in this playoff. Wheeler (last years champ) isn't playing this year... I believe she might be retiring, and Adamczak has been out for awhile due to a foot injury. So, I think Jelena should win this easily.....especially since Jess Moore seems to be out of form.

Go Jelena Go Jelena Go Jelena Go Jelena Go Jelena!!! I can't wait to see her play in the 2009 AO!!!!

I wish I knew how to post the pictures!!!

And with thoughts of mmmm8 on my mind, here's the link: http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/...189522601.html