2003 China Open – Singles

Anna Smashnova was the defending champion, but chose not to participate this year.

Top seed Elena Dementieva won the title, defeating Chanda Rubin in the final, 6–3, 7–6(8–6).

Seeds
The top four seeds received a bye into the second round. • # 🇷🇺 Elena Dementieva (champion)

• # 🇺🇸 Chanda Rubin (final)

• # 🇯🇵 Ai Sugiyama (semifinals)

• # 🇪🇸 Conchita Martínez (second round)

• # Jelena Dokic (second round, retired)

• # 🇦🇺 Alicia Molik (quarterfinals)

• # 🇫🇷 Émilie Loit (first round)

• # Cara Black (first round)