See main article: 1986 US Open (tennis).
Martina Navratilova defeated Helena Suková in the final, 6–3, 6–2 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1986 US Open. It was her third US Open singles title and 15th major singles title overall. Navratilova became the first woman in the Open Era to win a major after saving match points en route, saving three against Steffi Graf in the semifinals.
Hana Mandlíková was the defending champion, but lost in the fourth round to Wendy Turnbull.
The seeded players are listed below. Martina Navratilova is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
See main article: 1986 US Open – Women's singles qualifying.