1971 Italian Open – Men's singles

The 1971 Italian Open – Men's singles was an event of the 1971 Italian Open tennis tournament and was played at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy from 3 May through 10 May 1971. Ilie Năstase was the defending champion but did not compete in this edition. Fourth-seeded Rod Laver claimed the singles title, defeating Jan Kodeš in the final, 4–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–4.

Seeds

 * 1) 🇦🇺 John Newcombe (quarterfinals)
 * 2) 🇺🇸 Arthur Ashe (semifinals)
 * 3)  Cliff Drysdale (quarterfinals)
 * 4) 🇦🇺 Rod Laver (champion)
 * 5) 🇺🇸 Stan Smith (quarterfinals)
 * 6)  Tom Okker (semifinals)
 * 7) 🇦🇺 Roy Emerson (quarterfinals)
 * 8) 🇦🇺 Tony Roche (third round)