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Former tennis star Jelena Dokic fought back tears after women's world No.1 Ashleigh Barty cruised through to the second round of the Australian Open in straight sets.
The Queenslander needed less than an hour to demolish Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko in a powerful display on Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Monday night.
Now a Channel Nine commentator, Dokic got the job of interviewing Barty post-match where she became overcome with emotion, just two days after announcing her split from her partner of 18 years, Tin Bikic.
The post-match interview began with the former world No.4 congratulating Barty on winning Wimbledon in July and teared up within moments.
Ash Barty's campaign for a third grand slam title is off to a flying start after a straights sets victory in the first round of the Australian Open
'I think I speak — not I think, I'm sure — I speak for everyone here, everyone in Australia, around the world, particularly myself — thank you,' Dokic began.
'You gave us so much joy watching that last year. You made us so proud. I get goosebumps right now. I just want to hug you but I can't.'
Her comments sparked cheers from the crowd.
'There are no words to describe what you've done so thank you for that,' Dokic continued.
'Now I'm going to lose all my questions.'
Dokic maintained her composure for the rest of the interview as Barty spoke about her indigenous roots and returning to Australia to reunite with her family for the first time in seven months following the US Open.
