Henin-Hardenne, 21, who had defeated Clijsters in last year's French and US Open finals, secured the third Grand Slam crown of her career with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory in 1hr 47min at the Rod Laver Arena.

World number two Clijsters, 20, saw her dream of a first Grand Slam dashed after she had fought back from 0-4 down in the final set to break Henin-Hardenne twice for 3-4.

But her rally was snuffed out when Henin-Hardenne scored a controversial service break to go 5-3 up after a Clijsters forehand smash called in by the line-judge was over-ruled by French chair umpire Sandra de Jenken.

Clijsters, who had looked jittery when double-faulting twice earlier in the service game as she tried to level, complained angrily but to no avail as boos rang around the stadium.

Henin-Hardenne then served out confidently for the title, sealing victory by hammering an unstoppable serve down the middle that Clijsters could only flail her racquet at.

Henin-Hardenne collapsed on the court with joy as Clijsters was left disconsolate after her fourth defeat in a Grand Slam final.

The win saw Henin-Hardenne go level with Clijsters in head-to-head meetings at 9-9 but she has now beaten her in seven consecutive WTA and Grand Slam finals.