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Philipp Kohlschreiber at the Heineken Open -
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Defending champion Philipp Kohlschreiber is out of the Heineken Open but not in the way that anyone would have wanted.
The fifth seeded German succumbed to a persistent right shoulder injury, telling a media conference just after 1pm on Thursday his tournament is over.
Kohlschreiber may also be forced to miss the Australian Open, which starts in Melbourne on Monday.
It is good news for 2007 champion David Ferrer who gained a walkover to the semi-finals where he will meet American Sam Querrey.
World number 33 Kohlschreiber admitted it was a hard call to make, especially after his epic win over Juan Carlos Ferrero a little over 12 hours earlier.
"It's very sad for me - but something is really bad in my shoulder [and] rest is the best option."
The 25-year-old has been troubled by his shoulder since arriving in Auckland, getting through his first two matches with "heavy doses of voltaren".
But after feeling fine at breakfast on Thursday morning, he was unable to practice for more than twenty minutes on Thursday and felt he had no choice.
"It's not good to stay with the painkillers".
It is not the first time that Kohlschreiber has had to withdraw from a tournament but he admitted it is never easy, especially in the latter stages of an event.
The German will have an MRI scan on his shoulder later on Thursday and will remain in Auckland for the next few days for further rest and treatment.
