Jennifer Capriati defeated Kim Clijsters in the final, 1–6, 6–4, 12–10 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2001 French Open.

Clijsters was the first Belgian woman to reach a major singles final, having won an all-Belgian semifinal against Justine Henin for the honor.

[2] Mary Pierce was the reigning champion, but did not compete due to a back injury.

[3] This marked the first major appearance of future Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli.

[4] It also marked the French Open debut of future champion Francesca Schiavone, who reached the quarterfinals, her best result at the tournament until her title run nine years later.