Dokic hopes mother knows best

World number eight Jelena Dokic continues her preparations for Wimbledon today at the DFS Classic - with mum Liliana by her side.

Her dad Damir, who has been a controversial figure in the past, is remaining at home.

However, he looks set to reappear at the championships in a fortnight’s time.

Dokic faces Elena Likhovtseva of Russia in the third round of the Birmingham tournament after defeating Britain’s Lucie Ahl.

The 19-year-old Yugoslavian admits she is missing her father.

‘‘It definitely would be better to have him here,’’ she said. ‘‘He’s been there since I started.

‘‘It’s not easy not to have him here around but I have got my mum and I have got used to it.

‘‘My dad has some other things he is doing right now. He just wants to take a break but I think he will be at Wimbledon.’’

British number one Julie Pullin will be hoping to maintain her recent good form when she is first on Centre Court.

However, she knows she will have to raise her game when she faces Magdalena Maleeva of Bulgaria, the world number 20.

Pullin, from Brighton, got a massive boost yesterday when she defeated Magui Serna of Spain in straight sets.

Immediately after beating an opponent ranked 109 places above her in the world, she paid tribute to her supporting cast.

‘‘A lot of people do believe in me and have helped me,’’ she said.

‘‘Different people have been there to support me.

‘‘There have been a lot of people involved in pushing me a little bit more and I have been playing well the last two months.

‘‘I have started believing in myself a bit more - and that I can play at this level.

‘‘It has taken me a while to do that and it has been a slight problem.

‘‘The British mentality isn’t always to remain positive about things.’’