LEAD: Injured German Lisicki hoping for quick recovery

Jan 5, 2012, 8:37 GMT

Auckland - German Sabine Lisicki was to see doctors Friday in hopes of a positive diagnosis on an abdominal injury that would allow her to start as scheduled for the Australian Open after failing to finish her quarter-final at the ASB Classic.

With the first major of the season beginning January 16, Lisicki was taking no chances with her fitness after losing to compatriot Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-3.

The German winner was to line up against Italian fourth seed Flavia Pennetta, who beat Russia's Elena Vesnina 6-2, 6-1.

Jie Zheng put a Chinese player into the final four, defeating Czech Lucie Hradecka 6-2, 6-3. Russian third seed, Svetlana Kuznetsova, claimed the final spot in the semis as she beat Italian Sara Errani 6-4, 6-3.

Wimbledon semi-finalist Lisicki, ranked 15th, took on-court treatment after dropping the first set but was unable to play on after another seven games. She was also plagued by calf cramps.

The injury came during match warm-up, leaving her without a serve. 'I hope it's nothing too bad,' she said. 'I hope a couple of days off will be enough.'

Pennetta, 29, has now won five of her seven meetings with Vesnina. 'Today was perfect,' said the Italian, who was particularly pleased with her serving. 'I didn't make a lot of mistakes.'

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