World No.13 Ernests Gulbis takes over as top seed at the Auckland Open after Spaniard David Ferrer became the third high-profile withdrawal from the tournament beginning on Monday.
Four-time champion and world No.10 Ferrer injured his back in winning the Qatar Open 6-4 7-5 over Tomas Berdych on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
Tournament director Karl Budge said Ferrer doesn't have a record of pulling out of events.
"He wouldn't be doing so if it wasn't absolutely necessary this time around," Budge said.
"He has been fiercely loyal to our tournament, having attended 10 times. Unfortunately, we have little control over player withdrawals, but look forward to welcoming four of the world's top 20 players to Auckland on Monday."
Joining Gulbis (Latvia) are world No.15 Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, 16th-ranked South African Kevin Anderson and another Spaniard in world No.17 Tommy Robredo.
Defending champion John Isner pulled out of the Auckland tournament three days ago, opting instead to head to Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open.
The 29-year-old American, ranked 18th in the world, has made four previous appearances in the Heineken Open, twice winning the title.
Frenchman Gael Monfils, the world No.20, has also withdrawn for personal reasons.
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