Jelena Dokic's return to the Australian Open ended in disappointment yesterday when she was knocked out in the opening round by France's Virginie Razzano 3-6 7-6 6-1.

Dokic, back in Australia after five years of self-imposed exile, squandered two match points in the second set before Razzano ran away with the match in the deciding third set.

"I would have to say that's one of the most disappointing losses probably in my career so far. I was really happy, then half an hour later I was just so disappointed," Dokic told a news conference.

"But I think I did well to get in that position. Six weeks ago when I got here, I could not even dream to play with a top 50 player and be able to beat them in two sets, so that's a positive thing."

In the second set, Dokic had raised her arms in triumph after slamming her first match point past Razzano - only to discover the ball had been called out by the chair umpire.

The Australian disputed the call then almost lost her cool when she wasted a second match point immediately after, slapping a return into the net.

"If it was a normal point and I lost it, I would have been in a much better position. But coming so close, it was a different story," she said.

"I knew I would struggle after that point. I had my chances but once the third set got on, I just couldn't focus mentally."