Nineteen-year-old Belgian Henin, the sixth seed, was not at her best and struggled with her serve, but Kournikova was unable to capitalise.

After breaking for a 3-1 lead in the second set, the Russian, rumoured to be lined up for the coming James Bond film, gifted Henin the next game, then was broken again in the 11th game.

Kournikova has still to win a tournament, but remains one of the biggest draws in the game.

The umpire had to call for quiet after only two points because of shouts and whistles during rallies and Henin said: "You have to be focused on the match and it was not easy all the time."

Kournikova, more concerned with her form than the off-court distractions, said: "The second set was better, but she lifted her game too and I didn't play well on the important points.

"But I have got to be positive. I have plenty of time and I'm getting better with every match. I hope to get back to where I was before the injury."