The badminton women's singles tournament at the 2012 Olympic Games in London took place from 28 July to 4 August at Wembley Arena.

In an all-Chinese final, Li Xuerui defeated reigning World Number 1 Wang Yihan to win the gold medal.

India's Saina Nehwal took bronze after the injury-forced withdrawal of China's Wang Xin.

For the first time, the preliminary stage consisted of 16 groups of either two or three players.

Each played every other member of the group with the top players advancing to the knock-out stage, ultimately leading to the winner.