Comeback queen Dokic scores rich sponsorship deal

Australia's Jelena Dokic has sealed her return to the big-time by scoring a lucrative sponsorship deal on the back of her Australian Open comeback, it was reported today.

Melbourne's Herald-Sun newspaper said former World No 4 had signed a three-year deal worth an estimated $6,50,000 with Qantas Airways' discount offshoot Jetstar.

The newspaper said the sponsorship contract was Dokic's first for seven years, marking a return from the wilderness for a player whose career spiralled downward due to family issues and depression.

It quoted David Malina from management group IMG as saying Dokic (25) was considering offers from several companies wishing to cash in on her stirring Grand Slam return.

The emotionally troubled Dokic entered the tournament as a wildcard ranked 187 in the world and captivated the Australian public with a barnstorming run to the final eight, tipping out three seeded players along the way.

Dokic won more than $3 million in prize money in the first stage of her career, when she was a teenage prodigy who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2000.

But she lost the money when she split from her father Damir, who she blames for her downfall, and was reportedly sleeping on the floor of a Melbourne apartment as she prepared for this year's tournament.

Dokic renounced her Australian citizenship seven years ago to represent Serbia at her father's urging.

But the decision backfired and her tennis career floundered, leaving her estranged from her family and suffering severe depression that left her unable to pick up a racquet for lengthy periods.

The Australian public was initially indifferent to Dokic's return but was won over when she bared her soul after surviving the first round, describing how she had "cracked" under pressure.

She has since been hailed as a prodigal daughter by the Australian media and a public desperate for local top players to cheer.

Dokic has described her run at Melbourne Park as "life-changing", re-entering the top 100 and planning to play at all this year's Grand Slams.