See main article: 2011 Italian Open (tennis).
Maria Sharapova defeated Samantha Stosur in the final, 6–2, 6–4 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2011 Italian Open. It was her 23rd career title, and her first in almost a year.
María José Martínez Sánchez was the defending champion, but lost in the first round to Ekaterina Makarova.
The top eight seeds receive a bye into the second round.
See main article: 2011 Italian Open – Women's singles qualifying.