Former Wimbledon tennis champion Conchita Martinez has withdrawn from the ASB Classic starting in Auckland on Monday.
Spaniard Martinez, ranked 34th in the world and seeded eighth in the singles, has been advised by her doctor not to fly due to an illness.
As a result, the wildcard awarded Martinez for the tournament will now go to New Zealand No 2 Leanne Baker, who was a finalist at the New Zealand Residentials last week.
"It is a pity that Conchita has had to withdraw but it gives the opportunity to Leanne Baker, the New Zealand No 2, to play the high quality main draw," ASB Classic tournament director Richard Palmer said.
Baker, who has a current singles ranking of 372, will no longer be required to play in the qualifying draw starting tomorrow.
The two New Zealanders in the qualifying are Ilke Gers and Dianne Hollands.
The qualifying draw will see 32 battle it out for four places available in the main singles draw.
New Zealand No 1 Shelley Stephens had already been awarded a wildcard to the main singles draw.
- NZPA
Tennis: Martinez out of ASB Classic
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