Comeback girl Dokic beaten in qualifying competition

By Simon Cambers

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Jelena Dokic, back after a host of off-court problems, missed out on a place at the Australian Open on Friday after she lost 6-2 6-1 to Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand in the second round of qualifying.

The former Wimbledon semi-finalist, who reached a career-high ranking of fourth in 2002, was outplayed by Tamarine, who broke early in the first set and never looked back.

The 24-year-old Dokic, born in Serbia but who now represents Australia, is mounting a comeback, having barely played in the past two years, during which she said she has struggled to overcome "personal problems".

In November 2006, she denied that she had been kidnapped by her boyfriend Tin Bikic, while she is presently estranged from her colourful father, Damir, who was banned from the women's tour for six months in 2000 for threatening behaviour.

Dokic shot to fame in 1999 when, as a 16-year-old qualifier, she stunned world number one Martina Hingis 6-2 6-0 in the first round at Wimbledon.