See main article: 2002 Italian Open (tennis).
Serena Williams defeated Justine Henin in the final, 7–6(8–6), 6–4 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2002 Italian Open. It was her third title of the season (and the 14th of her career), and her first clay court title.
Jelena Dokic was the defending champion, but lost in third round to Anastasia Myskina.
The first eight seeds received a bye into the second round.