See main article: 2001 Bank of the West Classic.
Chanda Rubin and Sandrine Testud were the defending champions, but none competed this year. Rubin decided to focus on the singles tournament, while Testud decided to rest after competing on the World Group play-offs of the Fed Cup.
Janet Lee and Wynne Prakusya won the title by defeating Nicole Arendt and Caroline Vis 3–6, 6–3, 6–3 in the final.