Stan Smith defeated Jan Kodeš in the final, 3–6, 6–3, 6–2, 7–6(5–3) to win the men's singles tennis title at the 1971 US Open.

It was his first major singles title.

Ken Rosewall was the reigning champion, but did not compete this year.

Tony Roche, the previous year's runner-up, also did not compete in the tournament this year.

Stan Smith is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.