David Ferrer says he had no choice but to skip his usual trip to Auckland because playing too often these days would put his Australian Open campaign at risk.
The former world No.3 is a fan favourite in Auckland, having won the tournament four times from 10 visits.
But after winning the Qatar Open in Doha on Saturday, Ferrer decided to withdraw from the Heineken Open so he could rest ahead of playing potential five-setters for two weeks in Melbourne.
Ferrer is being troubled with a lower back injury but admitted to media in Auckland that he probably would have played had he been beaten early in Doha.
"When I am playing two, three or four matches in one week, I am with problems. My lower back is a little bit inflamed," the Spaniard said.
"I know I am 32 years old and it is more difficult to play everything."
Ferrer said it was difficult to pull out of a tournament he liked a lot, "but this year it's too much".
The Auckland tournament has been a good springboard for Ferrer for the Australian Open, where he reached the semi-finals in 2011 and 2013 and the quarter-finals in 2008, 2012 and 2014.
Ferrer, who heads from Auckland to Melbourne on Tuesday, said his form in Doha gives him confidence but it won't matter come Australian Open time.
"I am positive. Always when I win a tournament, I am with confidence. But Doha is past and I want to recover as soon as possible. It is only one tournament."
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