See main article: 2005 Generali Ladies Linz.
Amélie Mauresmo was the defending champion, but withdrew from the tournament due to injury.
Nadia Petrova won her maiden WTA tour title, defeating Patty Schnyder in the final 4–6, 6–3, 6–1.
This was the final tournament in which Grand Slam champion and former world No. 2 Conchita Martínez participated in singles, before her retirement in 2006. She retired in the second round against Daniela Hantuchová.
The top three seeds who played, and the ninth seed, received a bye into the second round.