Venus Williams has been forced to withdraw from the ASB Classic through injury.
The former world No 1 experienced pain in her right arm during her tough first- round win over Kiwi teen Jade Lewis today and was deemed unfit to continue in the tournament she has starred in for the past four years.
Williams was due to back up against impressive Japanese youngster Naomi Osaka later this evening, but has forfeited that match.
ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge said he was gutted Williams' tournament had to end this way.
"She wasn't able to serve as she would like to and at the level that we have come to expect from Venus, and unfortunately that has taken her away from the tournament this year," he said.
"It's obviously disappointing and a blow to the ASB Classic, but I think if any player deserves a little bit of grace, it is probably Venus Williams. We owe her a hell of a lot for what she has done for this tournament over the years."
Earlier Williams had quelled an early rebellion by Lewis.
The seven-time grand slam singles champion and 2015 Auckland winner faced set point in the opening set before steadying and going on to prevail 7-6 (7-2) 6-2.
Wildcard Lewis, who turned 18 in December and whose ranking of 1099 compares with her opponent's 17, showed variety in her game plan and a willingness to go for her shots.
Overall, this match was a lot closer than most had predicted.
The niece of former Wimbledon finalist Chris Lewis, she had set point when leading 5-4, but sent a forehand into the net.
Williams, who was plagued by double faults in the swirling conditions, recovered but then dropped serve again, before levelling at 6-6.
The 36-year-old American, the tournament second seed behind sister Serena, then pulled away.
She won the tie-break comfortably and was largely untroubled in the second set.
The match had resumed at 2-2 on Wednesday after having been disrupted by rain the previous night.
Additional reporting - AAP
