Martina Navratilova defeated Chris Evert in the final, 6–7(4–7), 6–4, 7–5 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1981 Australian Open. It was her first Australian Open singles title and third major singles title overall.

Hana Mandlíková was the defending champion, but was defeated in the quarterfinals by Evert.

1981 Australian Open – Women's singles

Seeds

The seeded players are listed below. Martina Navratilova is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.

1981 Australian Open – Women's singles

Chris Evert (finalist) Tracy Austin (quarterfinals) Martina Navratilova (champion) Andrea Jaeger (quarterfinals) Hana Mandlíková (quarterfinals) Pam Shriver (semifinals) Wendy Turnbull (semifinals) Evonne Goolagong (quarterfinals) Barbara Potter (second round) Mima Jaušovec (third round) Virginia Ruzici (first round) Bettina Bunge (third round) Sue Barker (third round) Kathy Jordan (third round)

1981 Australian Open – Women's singles

Qualifying

Draw

Key

Q = Qualifier

WC = Wild card

LL = Lucky loser

r = Retired

Finals

Earlier rounds

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

See also

Evert–Navratilova rivalry

External links

1981 Australian Open – Women's draws and results at the International Tennis Federation

Women's singles

Australian Open (tennis) by year – Women's singles

Australian Open – Women's Singles