Tennis-Dokic warns she's only going to get better

By Greg Stutchbury

MELBOURNE, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Australia's Jelena Dokic sent out a warning to her rivals after she took world number three Dinara Safina to three sets in the Australian Open quarter-final on Tuesday -- she was only going to get better.

The Russian's 6-4 4-6 6-4 victory ended the dream return for the 25-year-old Dokic, who spent three years away from the top level of the sport, battling weight problems, self confidence issues and perceived slights by Tennis Australia officials.

Dokic had a very public split from her domineering father Damir and after she won a wildcard qualifying tournament to make the main draw for the first time since 2006 she recaptured the hearts and minds of her adopted homeland with a series of contrite apologies for her previous behaviour.

The former world number four also sent the crowds on Rod Laver Arena and in the public areas of Melbourne Park watching on big screens into delirium with her run into the quarter-finals.

She beat Russian 17th-seed Anna Chakvetadze in the second round, 11th seed Caroline Wozniacki in the third and 29th-seed Alisa Kleybanova in the fourth.

"I played three sets with the number three player in the world. Everything is positive," Dokic told reporters.

"I think I've shown that I can play with some of the best girls in the world, top 20 and top 10.

"I think it's obvious that I'm not in the best shape. You can not be after a three-year layoff.