Two-time defending champion John McEnroe defeated Björn Borg in a rematch of the previous year's final, 4–6, 6–2, 6–4, 6–3 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 1981 US Open. It was his third US Open singles title and fourth major singles title overall. It was Borg's fourth runner-up finish at the US Open, his career-best finish at the event. The final would mark the 14th and final meeting between the pair (with McEnroe's victory leveling the rivalry at 7–7) as well as the last major appearance of eleven-time major champion Borg, due to his later retirement from the sport. He left the venue immediately after the final point, before the trophy ceremony.
Seeds The seeded players are listed below. John McEnroe is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
Draw
Key Q = Qualifier WC = Wild card LL = Lucky loser r = Retired
Final eight
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
References
External links Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) – 1981 US Open Men's Singles draw 1981 US Open – Men's draws and results at the International Tennis Federation