Justine Henin-Hardenne defeated Kim Clijsters in the final, 6–0, 6–4 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2003 French Open.

The final made Belgium the third country in the Open Era (following Australia and the United States) to have two countrywomen contest a major final.

Serena Williams was the defending champion, but was defeated by Henin-Hardenne in the semifinals, ending her winning streak of 33 major matches.

1 and nine-time major champion Monica Seles; she was defeated by Nadia Petrova in the first round.

1 and five-time major champion Maria Sharapova, who was defeated by Magüi Serna in the first round.