This week's ASB Classic men's tennis tournament has had another major withdrawal.
Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) celebrates his win over Robin Haase (ESP) during the ASB Classic Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fifth seed and defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain has been forced out, 24 hours after Czech Tomas Berdych withdrew.
Bautista Agut beat Berdych in the final of the Doha tournament overnight and because of his run to the final he now won't arrive in Auckland in time.
His withdrawal means American Steve Johnson will move into his place in the draw.
Yesterday Berdych withdrew after reaching the final in Doha.
ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge said that after six months off through injury, Berdych felt playing a second full week wouldn't be ideal for his preparation for the Australian Open at the end of the month.
New Zealander Rubin Statham took Berdych's place in the main draw.
Statham's first round match will be against South Korean star Hyeon Chung, who reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2018.
