Justine Henin Crashes Out

Justine Henin’s hopes of lifting the Australian Open title have been dashed after she crashed out in the third round to Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The former French Open champion had her 2010 season cut short by an elbow injury - which seemed to be plaguing here once again.

After losing the first set Henin did rally back and twice came from a break down to take the set into a tie break - preventing Kuznetsova from serving out the match on two occasions.

Kuznetsova finally got herself over the finish line by taking a highly competitive tie break 10-8 to win 6-4 7-6 (10-8).

Speaking to the BBC after the match Kuznetsova said: "I'm really pleased with way I played today, especially in the first set.

"After that it's tennis, you get nerves, I wanted to win so much and it was a great atmosphere."

She will now face current French Open champion Francesca Schiavone after she saw off Monica Niculesca 6-0 7-6 (7-2)

There was also bad news from fourth seed Venus Williams after she was forced to retire from her match with Andrea Petkovic after just one game.

Williams picked up an injury in her second round match and questions were raised as whether she would make it onto court at all.

And while she did attempt to play her match she looked in visible pain before she called it quits.

Petkovic moves into the fourth round where she will meet Russian Maria Sharapova. And Sharapova was forced to fight for her spot as she was pushed the distance by talented German Julia Goerges.

Goerges is tipped to be a future star of the WTA and she showed her potential when she took the opening set 6-4.

But Sharapova battled back and got two breaks at the start of the third. While Goerges managed to get one back  Sharapova took the set and the match 4-6 6-4 6-4.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw