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. Evert was attempting to complete the career Grand Slam (she would achieve the feat the following year).
Hana Mandlíková was the defending champion, but was defeated in the quarterfinals by Evert.
Seeds The seeded players are listed below. Martina Navratilova is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
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)
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