Marina Erakovic has been forced to pull out of January’s ASB Classic and the Australian Open due to injury.

The New Zealand No.1 has appeared at the Auckland tournament every year since 2007, reaching the semifinals in 2008.

But a back problem has prevented Erakovic from appearing this year and she will instead spend time recovering at home.

“With great regret, I confirm that I will not be able to compete at the 2018 ASB Classic and Australian Open," said the 29-year-old.

"Unfortunately, due to an ongoing injury with my back, I need more rehabilitation and recovery time. As a result, my return to competition is still uncertain and I will be applying for a protected ranking.

“I have decided to take full advantage of my first ever summer break in New Zealand by exchanging my tennis shoes for my jandals and finally getting to see some of these beautiful Kiwi beaches.

"This means you will not be seeing me at the ASB Classic in any capacity, so I want to take this opportunity to wish the tournament another very successful summer of tennis."