BBC News 24's Barry Millns reports

Sixth seed Henman polished off his Moroccan opponent 6-3 6-2 6-1 in just 79 minutes.

He made just 14 unforced errors in the course of the match and Alami's frustration was obvious as he disputed a number of line calls.

"To win in straight sets with the loss of just six games was a great start," said Henman.

"My game is as good as it has been for some time. I did not want to give him any chances because once he gets in he can be very dangerous.

"But I could not ask any more from my first match. It puts last year's first round loss behind me once and for all."

The first seven games of the match went with serve before Henman recovered from 15-40 down to break for a 5-3 lead. The second set was comfortable after he took the first four games, and two early breaks in the third made victory certain.

Henman will now face Australian Sandon Stolle, ranked 240th in the world, and the withdrawal of Goran Ivanisevic means he cannot face another seed until the quarter-finals stage.

Confidence boost for Smith

Smith: Her first-ever win at Melbourne Park

Sam Smith flew the British flag with distinction as she reached the second round of the women's singles with a 6-0 6-3 win over Larissa Neiland of Latvia.

Smith, ranked 65th in the world, broke serve three times as she raced through the first set in juts 20 minutes.

She was urged on by members of the 'Barmy Army', who are in Australia to support the England cricket team.

"Having them there relaxed me. I'll be at the cricket one-day international tomorrow. I'm always inspired by occasions like that," Smith said afterwards.