CINCINNATI (July 9, 2018) – The champions of the last four editions of the Western & Southern Open – Serena Williams (2014-15), Karolina Pliskova (2016) and Garbiñe Muguruza – lead a field of entries for the 2018 tournament that includes all players in the Top 37 of the of the WTA Rankings.

The entry list of 39 players from 21 nations includes 16 players who have won a combined 26 titles so far this season. These initial entrants are the start of the 56-player field that will compete in the WTA Premier 5 tournament August 11-19 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.

“This is a very strong field with all of the top WTA players having entered,” said Tournament Director Andre Silva. “The past 18 months have really shown the depth of the WTA with so many different players coming through to win big titles. The strength of the field means we can look forward to exciting matches all week long when these stars come to the Western & Southern Open.”
The field includes eight players who have held the WTA’s No. 1 ranking, including reigning No. 1 Simona Halep along with defending champion Muguruza, Pliskova, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Angelique Kerber and 2011 Cincinnati champion Maria Sharapova. The Western & Southern Open women’s final in both 2016 and 2017 included a player who could have ascended to No. 1 by winning the title.

As many as five wild cards may be awarded to join the field alongside these 39 players. In addition, 12 players will earn entry through the two-round qualifying tournament that will be held Aug. 11-12 in Mason.
The WTA event is held concurrently with an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament. The Western & Southern Open men’s field will be announced at a later date.

Tickets for the 2018 Western & Southern Open are on sale now, including for areas of the brand new South Building which has been constructed between Center and Grandstand Courts. Packages available in the new building include the First Financial 1899 Room featuring enclosed box seats that are air conditioned with a full service restaurant and bar, and the All-Inclusive level which offers outdoor seating along with a buffet and bar service that is included in the ticket. Tickets are available at www. shop. cincytennis. com.