See main article: 2009 Medibank International Sydney.
Justine Henin was the defending champion, but retired from the sport on May 14, 2008.
Elena Dementieva won the all-Russian final, 6–3, 2–6, 6–1, over Dinara Safina.
World No. 2 and the first seed Serena Williams was nearly out of the tournament two times. Williams saved four match points in her first round clash against Samantha Stosur & three more against Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals. Williams was defeated by the eventual champion Dementieva in the semifinals in straight sets.