A bacterial infection appears to be responsible for forcing French Open finalist Lucie Safarova to pull out from January’s Hopman Cup.

The Czech star will be replaced by world No.11 Karolina Pliskova, who reached the final of the WTA Elite Trophy in China last month.

“Unfortunately my health complications over the past few months are continuing and although I did all I could to be ready for the new season I’m not yet 100 per cent and I had to cancel my participation in the Hopman Cup at this point,” Safarova posted on her facebook page.

“I will be replaced by Kaja (Karolina) Pliskova and I will cheer for the Czech team! I continue my focus on recovery and training so I can still start my season in Australia!”

Safarova suffered an abdominal injury prior to the US Open and was later hospitalised for the bacterial infection.

The world No.5 was forced to miss the Open, the Asian autumn tournament series and the Fed Cup final victory over Russia.