See main article: article and 2018 China Open (tennis).
Caroline Wozniacki defeated Anastasija Sevastova in the final, 6–3, 6–3 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2018 China Open. It was Wozniacki's 30th and last WTA Tour title, before her first retirement in January 2020.
Caroline Garcia was the defending champion, but lost in the third round to Aryna Sabalenka.
The four Wuhan semifinalists received a bye into the second round. They were as follows:
