David Ferrer became the latest casualty for next week’s Heineken Open in Auckland, as the four-time champion announced his withdrawal due to a lower back injury.

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The tournament, placed in the precarious position that butts up against next week’s Australian Open, has been hit hard by withdrawals this year.

John Isner and Gael Monfils eached pulled out earlier last week.

Ernests Gulbis will take over as the tournament’s top-seeded player, while Tommy Robredo will slide into Ferrer’s vacated spot on the top line of the draw.

See the complete draw here

Though disappointed, Auckland tournament director Karl Budge had high praise for Ferrer’s service to the event.

"One thing we can say about David is that you can never question his loyalty or drive for this tournament," Budge said, according to Stuff. "He's given us 10 years of impeccable service and has fought for every ball in every match.

"Injuries are unfortunately a nature of sport and while it's been a tough one for us this year, we've got four players sitting inside the world's top 20 still participating and that's equally the most we've ever had."

Photo Source: Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty