Former Champions Cilic, Azarenka Withdraw From Cincinnati

The Cincinnati draw takes place Friday night, but before then the withdrawals continued. Defending champion Marin Cilic has pulled out due to the same adductor issue which forced him out of Canada.

“I was really eager to play in Cincinnati, where I’ve won my first career ATP Masters 1000 singles title last year and where I had one of the best performances during my career, but I still don’t feel at 100 percent to compete at the top level and to defend my title there,“ Cilic said.

Battling personal issues, which are reported to be a custody battle over her baby boy, Leo, 2013 winners Victoria Azarenka has also withdrawn from the event.

“I am disappointed to have to pull out of the Western & Southern Open due to a family matter,” Azarenka said. “I look forward to coming back to Cincinnati and playing in front of its great fans for many years to come.”

According to reports, Azarenka and boyfriend Billy McKeague spit in June leaving a custody battle for their 9-month old son in question.

As the decision is still unsettled, the judge has ruled the baby cannot leave his home in LA, and Azarenka apparently doesn’t want the baby to stay with the father. So will she give up being with the baby to play the US Open?