Tracy Austin defeated Martina Navratilova in the final, 1–6, 7–6(7–4), 7–6(7–1) to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1981 US Open. It was her second US Open title and second and last major singles title.
Chris Evert was the defending champion, but lost in the semifinals to Navratilova. The loss ended Evert's streak of six consecutive US Open finals.
Seeds The seeded players are listed below. Tracy Austin is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
Chris Evert (semifinalist) Andrea Jaeger (second round) Tracy Austin (champion) Martina Navratilova (finalist) Hana Mandlíková (quarterfinalist) Sylvia Hanika (quarterfinalist) Wendy Turnbull (third round) Pam Shriver (fourth round) Virginia Ruzici (third round) Mima Jaušovec (second round) Barbara Potter (semifinalist) Bettina Bunge (fourth round) Regina Maršíková (first round) Kathy Jordan (fourth round) Sue Barker (second round) Dianne Fromholtz (first round)
Qualifying
Draw This edition of the US Open was the first time that the women's singles tournament featured a 128-player draw.
Key Q = Qualifier WC = Wild card LL = Lucky loser r = Retired
Final eight
Earlier rounds
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
See also Evert–Navratilova rivalry
External links 1981 US Open – Women's draws and results at the International Tennis Federation