See main article: 2011 Mercury Insurance Open. Svetlana Kuznetsova was the defending champion, but withdrew due to a groin strain.
Agnieszka Radwańska won the title, defeating Vera Zvonareva 6–3, 6–4 in the final.
The top eight seeds received a bye into the second round.
See main article: 2011 Mercury Insurance Open – Singles qualifying.