See main article: 1981 US Open (tennis).
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.
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.
The seeded players are listed below. Tracy Austin is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
See main article: 1981 US Open – Women's singles qualifying.
This edition of the US Open was the first time that the women's singles tournament featured a 128-player draw.