Argentina's David Nalbandian withdrew from the Heineken Open on Monday with an abdominal strain that may put him in doubt for the Australian Open starting Jan. 18.
The Auckland tournament was to be Nalbandian's first since May when he underwent hip surgery, but the former world No. 3 withdrew when he suffered a new injury during a warmup.
Nalbandian was due to play former Heineken Open champion Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round Tuesday.
Tournament organizer Richard Palmer said a scan carried out at an Auckland hospital confirmed a slight abdominal strain and put Nalbandian's participation in the Australian Open in doubt.
``These usually take 10 to 15 days to come right,'' Palmer said.
Nalbandian will be replaced in the Auckland tournament by Inigo Cervantes-Huegin of Spain.
``I am very disappointed not to be able to make my comeback this week at the Heineken Open. I was very much looking forward into playing in Auckland once again,'' Nalbandian said.
``I didn't play much tennis for eight months so it is natural to suffer some small injuries. Although I am disappointed at the moment, I remain confident and positive about making a full-time comeback to the tour soon.''
