The defending champion in the singles was the Swiss Roger Federer , who was placed fifth this year, but failed in three sets in the quarter-finals against the eventual tournament winner Rafael Nadal from Spain. Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau won the doubles title last year. Both took part in the tournament this year, but with different partners. Both Lindstedt and Tecău were eliminated with their partners in the round of 16.
The field of participants in the single competition consisted of 56 players, that of the doubles competition consisted of 24 pairs. The eight top seeded players in singles or pairings in doubles each received a bye into the second round.
The qualification for the Western & Southern Open 2013 took place on August 10th and 11th, 2013. Seven qualifying places were played, which entitle them to participate in the main draw of the tournament.
At the Western & Southern Open 2013 the following prize money and world ranking points were paid out or credited for reaching the respective round. Players who entered the main field from qualification received the specified qualification points in addition to those for reaching the respective round. Otherwise the amounts are not to be understood as cumulative. The amounts for the double competition are distributed per team.