The 1961 U.S. National Championships (now known as the US Open) was a tennis tournament that took place on the outdoor grass courts at the West Side Tennis Club, Forest Hills in New York City, United States.

The tournament ran from September 1 until September 10, 1961.

It was the 81st staging of the U.S. National Championships, and the fourth Grand Slam tennis event of 1961.

Roy Emerson defeated Rod Laver 7–5, 6–3, 6–2 Darlene Hard defeated Ann Haydon 6–3, 6–4 Chuck McKinley / Dennis Ralston defeated Rafael Osuna / Antonio Palafox 6–3, 6–4, 2–6, 13–11 [2] Darlene Hard / Lesley Turner defeated Edda Buding / Yola Ramírez 6–4, 5–7, 6–0 [3] Margaret Smith / Bob Mark defeated Darlene Hard / Dennis Ralston default [4][a]