Auckland Airport responded, pointing Erakovic to a list of prohibited carry-on items.
According to the airport's security measures, some everyday items cannot be taken into an aircraft cabin, but can travel as checked-in luggage.
"All sports equipment that could be used as an effective bludgeoning weapon are restricted from carry-on luggage but they can go in your checked-in luggage," they noted.
Sports equipment that must go as checked-in luggage includes tennis racquets, cricket and baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, ice skates, skateboards and croquet mallets.
Erakovic said it was the first time she had encountered such a rule as a professional tennis player.
"I haven't got to the bottom of 'why?' yet. Auckland Airport replied to me listing their prohibited items, but I'm just wondering when this came into effect because come January there will be some pretty upset tennis players [around New Zealand's local professional tournaments]."
New Zealand's Aviation Security Service pointed the Herald to recent changes implemented by the United States' Transportation Security Authority for any last-point-of-departure flights to America.
International airports are obliged to follow the TSA's directive. All flights must comply or they won't be allowed into US airspace.
That means anyone carrying a "bludgeoning weapon" - like Erakovic - will be asked to relinquish it. If they refuse, the individual will be prevented from moving through the screening point.
"I understand it, but at the end of the day you've got to know the limits I guess," said Erakovic.
"Hopefully my racquets are in one piece when I get to LA."
