See main article: 1980 Australian Open. Hana Mandlíková defeated Wendy Turnbull in the final, 6–0, 7–5 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1980 Australian Open. The women’s tournament was held from November 24th - 30th, 1980 – separately from the men’s event, which began in late December and concluded the first week of 1981.
Barbara Jordan was the reigning champion, but did not compete this year.
As of 2024, this was the last time at the Australian Open where neither finalist had previously won a major; the 1998 Wimbledon Championships would be the next occurrence of such a final, a span of 63 tournaments. Turnbull was the last Australian to reach the final until Ashleigh Barty in 2022.
The seeded players are listed below. Hana Mandlíková is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
Martina Navratilova (semifinals)
Evonne Goolagong (second round) Wendy Turnbull (finalist)
Virginia Ruzici (quarterfinals) Pam Shriver (quarterfinals)See main article: 1980 Australian Open – Women's singles qualifying.