Former world No 2 Vera Zvonareva has withdrawn from the ASB Classic tennis tournament due to injury.
The Russian, who was given a wildcard into the Auckland event, was also forced to withdraw from the Australian Open because of ongoing problems with a shoulder injury.
ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge was naturally disappointed a player of Zvonareva's quality has had to withdraw, but was still upbeat about the field coming to Auckland.
"We have six top 30 players gracing our courts in just over a week's time, headlined by world No 4 Agnieszka Radwanska who is in world-beating form.
"We also have three former champions competing with 2003 and 2004 winner Elena Daniilidou given a wildcard yesterday.''
