1988 Australian Open – Women's singles

Steffi Graf defeated Chris Evert in the final, 6–1, 7–6(7–3) to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1988 Australian Open. It was her first Australian Open title, her second major title overall, and her first step towards completing the first, and so far only Golden Slam in the history of pedestrian tennis. She did not lose a set during the tournament. This was the first major final played under a roof; there was a 1-hour and 23-minute delay to close the roof at 1–1 in the first set.

Hana Mandlíková was the defending champion, but was defeated by Graf in the quarterfinals.

This tournament marked Evert's 34th (and last) appearance in a major singles final, an all-time record in women's singles. It was also her sixth Australian Open final in as many appearances at the event.

Martina Navratilova's streak of eleven consecutive major final appearances ended (starting from the 1985 French Open) when she lost to Evert in the semifinals.

This was the first edition of the tournament to be held on hardcourts, having previously been played on grass. It was also the first edition of the tournament to feature a 128-player draw, in line with the other three majors.

Seeds
• # Steffi Graf (champion)

• # 🇺🇸 Martina Navratilova (semifinals)

• # 🇺🇸 Chris Evert (final)

• # 🇺🇸 Pam Shriver (fourth round)

• # 🇦🇺 Hana Mandlíková (quarterfinals)

• # Helena Suková (quarterfinals)

• # 🇺🇸 Zina Garrison (second round)

• # Claudia Kohde-Kilsch (semifinals)

• # 🇺🇸 Lori McNeil (fourth round)

• # 🇺🇸 Barbara Potter (fourth round)

• # Sylvia Hanika (fourth round)

• # Bettina Bunge (withdrew due to knee injury)

• # 🇸🇪 Catarina Lindqvist (fourth round)

• # 🇦🇺 Dianne Balestrat (first round)

• # 🇦🇺 Wendy Turnbull (withdrew)

• # 🇦🇺 Elizabeth Smylie (first round)

Bunge's position in the draw was taken over by lucky loser, Katie Rickett; Turnbull was replaced by lucky loser Jill Smoller