The player field of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati has been released and defending champion Serena Williams will lead the women's draw composed of the world's top players.

"We are thrilled to announce the best players in tennis, from both the women's and men's tours, are coming to Cincinnati in just a few weeks," Tournament Director and COO Vince Cicero said of the tournament which will start on August 15. "Our event has become a 'must-play' tournament for the players, and a 'must-attend' event for tennis fans from all over the globe."

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The women's draw will also see former no. 1 players and grand slam winners such as Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Ana Ivanovic, Venus Williams, Petra Kvitova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Sam Stosur.

Williams was recently in Sweden playing at the Collector Swedish Open in Bastad but had to withdraw from the tournament due to a right elbow injury. The world no. 1 said she felt the pain during her first round match but it only exacerbated during practice prior to her second round game against Klara Koukalova.

The American then addressed the spectators saying that it was a "difficult decision" to withdraw but vowed to be back in Bastad where she hoisted the championship trophy two years ago. "I always enjoy my time here. I have such a great time," said Williams. "My fans here are really amazing, I love all you guys."

Meanwhile, Koukalova who reached the quarterfinals thanks to Williams' walkover, failed to capitalize and lost to Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in straight sets.

The 20-year-old Putintseva, who is onto her first WTA semifinals match, will next face hometown hope Johanna Larsson who took care of Czech Republic's Barbora Strycova in straight sets with the score of 6-2, 6-3.

"I do not know her so much. So it will be an interesting match,'' Larsson commented on Putintseva as reported by Yahoo! Sports. ''Of course, I'm aiming for the final.''

Defending champion Mona Barthel, on the other hand, reached the semifinals by beating wild card Rebecca Peterson with a 6-1, 7-6 (7-3) victory. She will face Spain's Lara Arruabarrena who beat Jana Cepelova in an unfinished match after the Slovak retired in the second set with a neck injury.

Tagsserena williams, serena williams injury, swedish open results, serena williams Cincinnati, Cincinnati tennis open