Kournikova was comfortably beaten by Henin

Anna Kournikova has been knocked out of the Australian Open in the first round by sixth seed Justine Henin.

Kournikova was a quarter-finalist in Melbourne last year, but she has now slumped outside of the world's top 50 after missing much of 2001 through injury.

The Belgian dominated the first set and broke Kournikova's serve early in the match.

The second set was much closer, Kournikova broke Henin's serve right at the start to give herself the chance of going 3-1 up.

But Kournikova could not make the most of her advantage as Henin bravely battled back.

The number six seed broke the Russian again at 5-5 before closing out the game.

Despite the manner of her defeat Kournikova remained upbeat after the game.

"This is only my third tournament of the year and I've got to be positive and try to play better each time," she said.

"I've got plenty of time. I want to get to the same position and shape I was before my injury.

"I don't have to learn how to go out there and hit a ball or a stroke.

"I just have to improve more on tactical things and being more comfortable and automatic on the court," said the 20-year-old.

Henin, who already has four WTA titles to her name, described being on court with Kournikova as "playing a personality", not a tennis player.

"I played against a personality and the crowd loved that," said the 19-year-old.

"It is always difficult when you are in front of her to give 100% because you have to stay focused just on the match, and it wasn't easy.

"But I've beaten Kournikova and that is good for my confidence, so that's important."