The 1981 US Open was a tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts at the USTA National Tennis Center in New York City, United States.

It was the 101st edition of the US Open and was held from September 1 to September 13, 1981.

John McEnroe defeated Björn Borg 4–6, 6–2, 6–4, 6–3 Tracy Austin defeated Martina Navratilova 1–6, 7–6(7–4), 7–6(7–1) Peter Fleming / John McEnroe defeated Heinz Günthardt / Peter McNamara by walkover Kathy Jordan / Anne Smith defeated Rosemary Casals / Wendy Turnbull 6–3, 6–3 Anne Smith / Kevin Curren defeated JoAnne Russell / Steve Denton 6–4, 7–6(7–4) Thomas Högstedt defeated Hans Schwaier 7–5, 6–3 Zina Garrison defeated Kate Gompert 6–0, 6–3