Evonne Goolagong defeated Helen Gourlay Cawley in the final, 6–3, 6–0 to win the women's singles tennis title at the December 1977 Australian Open. It was her fourth Australian Open singles title and sixth major singles title overall. For the third time in her career, Goolagong did not lose a set during the tournament.
Kerry Reid was the defending champion, but was defeated in the semifinals by Goolagong.
Both finalists were entered in the championships as Mrs. R. Cawley, as they were married to Roger Cawley and Richard Cawley (who were not related) respectively (at the time, married female players were required to be identified using their husband's name). The umpire became confused during the early stages of the final and simply referred to the players as Evonne or Helen to avoid confusion.https://2017.ausopen.com/en_AU/event_guide/history/draws/9977_LS_Q.html
The second of the two Australian Opens held in 1977 started on 19 December and ended on 31 December. For the first Australian Open held in 1977, see: 1977 Australian Open (January).
Seeds The seeded players are listed below. Evonne Goolagong is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
Evonne Goolagong (champion) Sue Barker (semifinal) Kerry Reid (semifinal) Mona Guerrant (Quarterfinal) Helen Gourlay (final) Helena Anliot (first round) Kathleen Harter (Quarterfinal) Rayni Fox (Quarterfinal)
Qualifying
Draw
Finals
Top half
Bottom half
See also 1977 Australian Open (December)
References
External links 1977 Australian Open (December) – Women's draws and results at the International Tennis Federation