See main article: 1998 US Open (tennis).
Lindsay Davenport defeated the defending champion Martina Hingis in the final, 6–3, 7–5 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1998 US Open. It was her first major singles title, and she did not drop a set during the tournament. The final was a rematch of the previous year's semifinal.
This was the final US Open main draw appearance for five-time champion Steffi Graf; she lost to Patty Schnyder in the fourth round. It was also the first US Open appearance for future world No. 1 and six-time champion Serena Williams; she was defeated by Irina Spîrlea in the third round.
See main article: article and 1998 US Open – Women's singles qualifying.