In 1999, 16-year-old Jelena Dokic pulled off one of the most staggering upsets in Grand Slam history. In straight sets, the World Number 129 trounced World Number One, Martina Hingis, in the first round of Wimbledon.

Jelena Dokic’s story is a remarkable one that begins with her family fleeing the former Yugoslavia as refugees. Though Jelena achieved World Number 4 status by age 19, she struggled with off-court obstacles – from poverty to racism, illness and injury to surviving her volatile father, Damir.

In conversation with Karen Lyon, this gutsy and resilient champion talks about tough beginnings, tumultuous tennis and bright futures.