Auckland: Former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero became the latest injury casualty at the Auckland Open when he rolled his right ankle against qualifier Michael Lammer and was forced to withdraw.
The Spaniard is the second big name injury withdrawal from the event at the Auckland Tennis Centre after former top-10 player David Nalbandian of Argentina pulled out with an abdominal strain on Monday without playing a match.
The third seeded Ferrero, who had received a first round bye, spent barely 20 minutes on court against Switzerland's Lammer before he rolled his heavily strapped right ankle while trailing 1-3.
After receiving treatment and additional strapping courtside, he returned but withdrew when he was unable to return serve.
Lammer will meet eighth seed Albert Montanes in the quarter-finals after he beat New Zealand wildcard Jose Statham 7-6, 6-2.
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 09:19