Tennis star Jelena Dokic has opened up about her 'crushing’ split from long-term Brazilian boyfriend Tin Bigic after 18 years together.

Jelena Dokic is 'devastated’ following her 2021 split from her longtime boyfriend, Tin Bigic.

The couple were together for almost 19 years before announcing their split in January last year.

On Tuesday, the tennis champion, 40, shared a heartbreaking post on Instagram to mark two years since their split and captioned it with some words of reflection.

’Any break up is hard. They are heartbreaking, crushing, shattering and will change you forever,’ she wrote.

’It’s important not to become angry and bitter, but instead know that one day those scars and hurts will heal and you’ll become a wiser, better and stronger person.

’My breakup crushed me and turned me to my core. I was devastated and it changed me forever and I dealt with it with grace, understanding, grace and dignity.

’No yelling, anger or bitterness. I am very proud of myself for that. Be kind and positive.’

Following the post, Jelena’s followers sent her their well wishes and support.

I’m sure everyone going through a breakup will appreciate these words, one fan wrote, while another added: 'Beautifully written, good advice’.

Jelena confirmed the news that she and her Brazilian-born boyfriend had split in a heartbreaking Instagram post in January last year.

Alongside a photo of the pair, with a rib graphic in the middle, she wrote: 'After almost 19 years, Dean and I have decided to go our separate ways. Sometimes these things happen and people break up and it’s for the best.

Jelena continued: 'I ask you to refrain from making bad comments about us and our 18-and-a-half-year-old, and I ask that those who want to make bad comments don’t.’

At the time, Jelena admitted that she was struggling emotionally and mentally with the breakup.

„I would be lying if I said I was fine, but I will give my all to heal, recover and process this pain and trauma,” she wrote.

He later thanked his fans, friends and loved ones for their support and said he hoped to be 'back stronger than ever and in a better place’.