Dokic withdraws from ASB Classic

TeamWTA pictures
By Etienne Stekelenburg
January 3 2004

Jelena Dokic of Serbia Montenegro withdrew from the New Zealand ASB Classic starting January 5. The Tournament management was told she had to sort out problems related to her personal situation at the moment. Her coach said that she regrets any problems or inconvenience caused by her withdrawal.

Dokic had expressed her wish to start the season in New Zealand and Australia last October in Zurich during the Swisscom Challenge. The last time she started the season along with the other players was when she played the Australian Open in 2001.

In Zurich she said she didn’t want give the other players a head start by missing the Australian season. The troubles she had were behind her and she felt the need to travel Down Under for her fans and herself. She also explained what a difficult year it was for her dealing with personal problems and that she could sort things out with her new coach. Unfortunately troubles don’t seem to be completely solved hence her withdrawal from the ASB Classic.

Tournament director Richard Palmer said he was extremely disappointed with Dokic’ withdrawal especially because it came in at such a short notice. Dokic might be trying to enter the adidas International in Sydney to prepare for the Australian Open starting on January 19.