ASB Classic: Kiwi Erin Routliffe withdraws from tournament with injury

Erin Routliffe. Photo / Photosport

Kiwi doubles star Erin Routliffe has withdrawn from the ASB Classic in Auckland, less than a week out from the tournament.

A rib injury sustained in Riyadh at the WTA finals has not healed in time for her to return to competition.

Currently ranked No. 2 in the world for doubles, Routliffe was set to partner Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski.

All is not lost for Kiwi tennis fans, though, as fourth seed Lulu Sun will be in action and is expected to take to the court on the opening day of December 30.

Those fans will have an eye on 19-year-old Vivian Yang, too. Yang earned a wildcard spot for the ASB Classic after winning the wildcard playoff, beating fellow New Zealander Elyse Tse.

Another top-name withdrawal sees two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep step back from Australian Open qualifying and the ASB Classic, citing shoulder and knee pain – another roadblock in her comeback from a drug suspension.

The draw for the ASB Classic women’s tournament will be released on Saturday.