The 1981 Tel Aviv Open was a men's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts that was part of the 1981 Volvo Grand Prix.

It was played at the Israel Tennis Centers in the Tel Aviv District city of Ramat HaSharon, Israel and was held from October 5 to October 12, 1981.

It was the third edition of the tournament.

First-seeded Mel Purcell won the singles title.

Mel Purcell defeated Per Hjertquist 6–1, 6–1 Steve Meister / Van Winitsky defeated John Feaver / Steve Krulevitz 3–6, 6–3, 6–3