Defending champion Billie Jean King defeated Kerry Melville in the final, 6–3, 7–5 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1972 US Open.

It was her third US Open singles title and ninth major singles title overall.

For the second consecutive year and third time in her career, King did not lose a set during the tournament.

The seeded players are listed below.

Billie Jean King is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.