Evonne Goolagong defeated Helen Gourlay in the final, 6–3, 7–5 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1971 French Open.

Goolagong did not lose a set during the tournament.

Margaret Court was the two-time defending champion, but was defeated in the third round by Gail Chanfreau.

This marked the first time since the 1964 US Championships that Court failed to reach a major quarterfinal, a run of 19 consecutive majors.

Evonne Goolagong is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.