Thrilling tennis at Australian Open - with teenage troubles left well behind by Dokic

The Top 10 players in the women's draw of the Australian Open are wonderful ambassadors for tennis, and it's great to see plenty of young talent snapping at their heels.

One favourite of the Aussie crowd is Jelena Dokic, who thrilled everyone as a teenager with her powerful play. Now 25 years old and over the blip of the past few years, Dokic is back as a contender, working her way up the rankings.

That journey is, however, perhaps harden than 10 years ago. The teenagers in the rankings from 10 to 50 are full of talent and confidence, attacking the top players and building great reputations. When Jelena Dokic, ranked 187, met Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, the No. 11 seed, the sets showed the importance of the mental game today.

Wozniacki, with so much talent and court skill, won the first set despite some close games and break point opportunities for Dokic. The second set showed the power and baseline dominance of Dokic, and quite a few wobbles in the Wozniacki game. That left the scores at 6-3, 1-6.

Mid-way through the third set, Dokic was tested and responded with mental strength and hitting power. With some excellent position play and even aces, Dokic sped to lead by 4 games to 2.

With a marvelous display in the 7th game, Dokic took her lead to 5-2, and that left her serving for the match. She controlled everything - her nerves, the ball, the player on the other side of the net. "Guts in life and on the court," is how one reporter described Dokic. The final score (6-3, 1-6, 2-6) was both unexpected and very welcome, even if we feel some sympathy for Wozniacki.

A standing ovation for Dokic was deserved, whether you are Australian or not. Former Australian No. 1 Alicia Molik, now a commentator, gave Dokic a hug at the end, as they were so both emotional. Jelena said she took on a point-by-point strategy after losing the first set. Asked about the past few years, Dokic said maybe she got on the tour too early, but has matured and feels helped by the crowd always, and the whole Australian nation: "I have so many feelings and emotions going on right now, so not sure how to say." As Molic said, just be proud, because everyone else is.