Jelena Dokic advice : MELBOURNE: Few understand the intense pressure that comes with the hype of teenage success better than Jelena Dokic. The former world No.4, who stunned the tennis world by reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals at just 17, is cautious about making bold predictions for teen sensation Emerson Jones.
At 16, Jones is the world’s No.1 junior and recently celebrated her first WTA Tour victory, defeating top-50 player Wang Xinyu. On Tuesday, she will make her Australian Open main draw debut, with the hopes of a nation resting on her young shoulders.
In recent days, headlines have speculated whether Jones could be the one to step into the void left by the incomparable Ash Barty. Since Barty, the former world No.1, retired in 2022 at just 25, Australian women’s tennis has struggled to find its next star.
Jelena Dokic advice : Jelena Dokic’s Advice for Rising Tennis Star Emerson Jones
Placing such lofty expectations on a 16-year-old is undoubtedly unfair, but Jones’ composure against seasoned and highly ranked opponents in Adelaide makes it hard to ignore the possibility that she could be exceptional. Perhaps even extraordinary.
The Pressure of Teenage Success: Lessons from Jelena Dokic

Even a measured assessment from Jelena Dokic acknowledges that Jones has the potential to be “amazing.” However, the Nine commentator admits it’s unlikely the Queenslander will overcome her first-round opponent, world No.6 Elena Rybakina, when they face off on Margaret Court Arena on Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s a massive opportunity, but let’s not forget she’s just 16,” Dokic told Wide World of Sports’ The Morning Serve. “It’s a tough draw—she’s playing the sixth seed, Elena Rybakina—but right now, it’s all about gaining experience.
“She’ll go out there, compete hard, and believe she can win, which is exactly the mindset you want. Not just being content with making it this far, but understanding it’s part of the process. At 16, it’s more about improving your game than focusing solely on wins. She needs to build experience.”
Regardless of how Jones’ Grand Slam debut unfolds, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year in her growth as she aims to climb the rankings from her current position at 293.
Still, Dokic cautions against taking on too much too soon, noting that the demands of a full travel calendar at such a young age could jeopardize her long-term potential. Finding the right balance, Dokic stresses, will be essential for her development.
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“After the Australian summer of tennis, the year ahead is long. She’s only 16 and can play a limited number of WTA tournaments, even though she’s already close to breaking into the top 200,” Dokic explained. “So scheduling and deciding which events to play will be crucial.”
“I would still recommend mixing juniors with some lower-level ITF tournaments, along with a few WTA events, if she can get into Grand Slam qualifying. But it’s also important not to spend too much time on the road. While she’ll need to play more than 10 tournaments a year, striking the right balance is key.”
Dokic acknowledged that it’s “normal” for young players to make mistakes when it comes to scheduling and emphasized the importance of learning from those experiences. She encouraged Jones and her team to experiment and view any missteps as valuable opportunities for growth.
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“At such a young age, the focus should be on self-improvement—both as a person and as a player. Work on building your strengths and addressing your weaknesses, but always keep the bigger picture in mind. It’s not about the next 12 months; it’s about setting the foundation for the next 10 to 15 years of her career,” Dokic advised.
“Stay grounded, enjoy your tennis, and make time for life at home too. Having a strong, supportive network will be crucial. Even though she’s doing well now, there will inevitably be tough years—we all face them. That’s why it’s so important to have a solid support system to rely on during those times.”
While perfecting her schedule will play a key role in Jones’ development, Dokic encouraged her to draw inspiration from Italian world No.4 Jasmine Paolini. Despite not having a naturally powerful frame, Paolini’s remarkable rise is proof of what can be achieved with determination and strategic growth.
“I think she has the potential to be amazing. I’d confidently say she can break into the top 100 without a problem,” Dokic said. “She has an excellent attitude, competes fiercely, and moves exceptionally well.”
“Although she’s not big in stature, she compensates with her dynamic style of play. I see some similarities with Jasmine Paolini, the world No.4 and a Grand Slam finalist. It might be helpful for her to watch Paolini and consider modeling parts of her game after her.”
“She might not develop the biggest serve, but she’ll make up for it in other areas. Hopefully, she stays healthy, avoids injuries, and continues the fantastic progress she’s shown in juniors.”
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