The ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge is optimistic New Zealand tennis fans will eventually get a chance to see Tomas Berdych play in Auckland.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Budge confirmed on Saturday the Czech star had withdrawn from next week's tournament after reaching the final of the event in Doha, his first tournament back from a six month injury layoff.
Berdych is a former Wimbledon finalist with a career high ranking of fourth in the world and Budge said while they understand the situation, he expects it might only be a delay.
"He doesn't feel like he could come in and put in a great performance, if he's travelled from Doha to get here.
"He's had six months out of the sport, so to turn around and play back-to-back before a grand slam, I understand. It's disappointing for everyone, but I do understand it.
"I just hope in 12 months time he remembers it and maybe gives us a favour this time next year."
The upside of Berdych's withdraw is a place in the main draw for New Zealand player Rubin Statham.
Budge has handed 31-year-old Statham a wildcard, along with ex-pat Kiwi Cameron Norrie, who is now based in the UK.
Norrie, who is still just 23 rose to a career high ranking of 66 in August last year and reached three ATP semifinals in what was just his first year as a professional.
Statham's first round match will be against South Korean star Hyeon Chung, who reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2018.
Norrie has drawn 52nd-ranked Frenchman Benoit Paire.