Jelena Dokic has publicly announced her split from long-time partner Tin Bikic in an emotional Instagram post after almost 19 years together.
The former World Number Four tennis star met Tin when they were both in their 20s and spent years maintaining a long-distance relationship.
There were countless trips between Australia and Serbia, Tin’s native country, before the couple settled in Melbourne with the hopes of pursuing marriage and kids.
But now, just weeks after Jelena took a sudden and unexpected social media break, the 38-year-old has revealed that she and Tin no longer have a future together.
On Sunday she shared a photo of them together with a rip edited between their faces and a lengthy caption that explained: “After almost 19 years together, Tin and I have decided to go our separate ways.
“Sometimes these things happen, people grow apart and it’s for the best.”
The former tennis star went on to ask her followers to refrain from making any negative comments and keep “nasty comments based on nationality and religion” to themselves.
“This has nothing to do with that and it never did. Negative comments don’t help anyone especially me so please be respectful and kind,” she added.
Jelena confessed that she would be lying if she told fans she was doing well, but said that she will be putting all her efforts into healing and processing the pain and trauma of the split – or “die trying”.
She also revealed that she fought for the relationship until the end, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to save it.
“I am hopeful that there is still happiness and love somewhere out there waiting for me,” the 38-year-old shared.
“This is hard, I am in pain, I am hurt, I am lost and right now it’s all about just being able to get out of bed in the morning and putting one foot in front of the other.
“I will have to learn to walk again before I can run when it comes to love and happiness but I will give this healing process my all.”
WATCH: Jelena Dokic opens up about weight loss journey. Post continues after video…
The self-proclaimed “fighter” continued that her strength will help her get through this challenge, as she has done before when facing other obstacles, but asked for privacy while she heals.
Furthermore, she shared a message of support for now-ex Tin, saying that she wishes him all the best and hopes he finds what he is looking for.
Jelena also thanked the people closest to her for their support, adding: “Your kindness means the world to me and you know who you are.
“And to all my fans thank you for your support over the last few weeks, I don’t have the strength to reply but just know that I read every single one of your messages and I appreciate it so much.”
She signed off by promising to return “stronger than ever” and in a much better place, and was flooded with supportive messages urging her to take all the time she needs to heal.
Jelena and Tin pose together at the Newcombe Medal in 2013.
(Getty)Mark Philippoussis commented a single blue heart on the emotional post, while Neighbours star Sharon Johal wrote: “Sending you so much love x I’ll call you soon x”
Rumours of a split began circulating late last year when Jelena announced she was taking time off from social media, and she has now confirmed the break-up was behind that decision.
Jelena has been through more than her fair share of obstacles in her 38 years, from breaking free of her father’s abuse to overcoming rapid weight gain caused by a thyroid condition.
Though she retired from professional tennis in 2014, she has remained a household name in part for her unbreakable spirit and inspiring story.
There’s no doubt that she will continue to rise above the turmoil that life has thrown at her and come out braver on the other side.
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