"For me, jewellery has always been emotional" - Donna Vekic set to launch diamond jewellery brand DASH in collaboration with Australian Open

Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Donna Vekic is putting her racket to aside for the time being to announce a new range of jewellery to her portfolio.

Back in 2021, the Croation launched a lifestyle brand called DNNA, which focused on selling products such as candles and home fragrances. This was alongside competing on the court in the biggest tennis tournaments in the world.

She has expanded her visions in this industry, moving towards a different product. Partnering alongside entrepreneur Ashna Ruia, the duo have come up with DASH. This is for jewellery , specifically diamonds that can be worn while doing anything in your life.

This is set to be shown off by the current world number 70 who is set to take to the main stage in the Australian Open on January 18. Wearing them at Melbourne Park portrays the vision behind DASH. Diamonds are not meant to be in boxes reserved for a special occasion, but worn as a part of everyday life.

"For me, jewellery has always been emotional," Vekic said. "I've worn diamonds through victories, losses, long training days and some of the biggest moments of my career. They make me feel strong, empowered and grounded, even when the stakes are high.

"Wearing diamonds on court wasn't a fashion choice. It was a part of who I am. Over the years, people kept asking about the pieces I played in. That's when I realised something important: jewellery shouldn't be something you take off to live your life. It should move with you, shine with you and become part of your rituals."

For Vekic, this means a lot with jewellery always being close to her heart on and off the court. "Every match has its rallies. The long ones, the tough ones, the ones that shape you," she wrote on Instagram. "I’ve worn diamonds through my wins, my losses, and every point in between. And this one began off court, with my best friend, as a shared dream and a lot of late conversations. This isn’t just jewellery. It’s a reminder that every point counts — on court, in friendship, and in life. So proud to finally share something that’s been close to my heart."

DASH has a timely collaboration with the Australian Open, one of its first initiatives. The AO x DASH Collection includes 150 pieces that are exclusively available at the Australian Open, where DASH will have an official store for curious jewellery lovers to gaze at.

The former Olympic silver medallist will be targeting a sharp incline up the rankings. She finished 2025 at the end of October after losing in the quarter-finals of the Chennai Open. She made her return to the court in the ASB Classic, going down to Alexandra Eala in three sets in what was a very tricky opening round tie. The 29-year-old will move over to the exhibition circuit next as she is set to compete in the Kooyong Classic as part of her preparation for the first major tournament of the year. She will be aiming for a repeat or better of the 2023 event, where she made it to the quarter-finals.