Azarenka out of Cincinnati event with knee injury

MASON, Ohio (AP) Defending champion Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from the Western & Southern Open because of a right knee injury.

The WTA says Azarenka withdrew after practicing on Tuesday. Azarenka was replaced in the draw by Mona Barthel.

Azarenka injured her knee in her first-round win at Wimbledon and played in two tournaments after the grass-court major.

She hopes to be ready for the U.S. Open, which starts Aug. 25.