2009 China Open – Women's singles

Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Agnieszka Radwańska in the final, 6–2, 6–4 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2009 China Open. It was her second China Open title.

Jelena Janković was the defending champion, but lost in the second round against Peng Shuai.

This tournament saw world No. 226 Zhang Shuai defeat then-world No. 1 Dinara Safina in the second round, and as such become the lowest-ranked player to ever defeat a reigning world No. 1. Serena Williams replaced Safina as world No. 1 following the tournament by virtue of winning her second round match, though Williams herself would lose in the third round.

Seeds
• # 🇷🇺 Dinara Safina (second round)

• # 🇺🇸 Serena Williams (third round)

• # 🇺🇸 Venus Williams (second round)

• # 🇷🇺 Elena Dementieva (quarterfinals)

• # Caroline Wozniacki (first round)

• # 🇷🇺 Svetlana Kuznetsova (champion)

• # 🇷🇺 Vera Zvonareva (quarterfinals)

• # 🇷🇸 Jelena Janković (second round)

• # 🇧🇾 Victoria Azarenka (second round)

• # 🇮🇹 Flavia Pennetta (third round)

• # 🇷🇸 Ana Ivanovic (withdrew due to upper respiratory tract infection)

• # 🇵🇱 Agnieszka Radwańska (final)

• # 🇷🇺 Nadia Petrova (semifinals)

• # 🇫🇷 Marion Bartoli (semifinals)

• # 🇦🇺 Samantha Stosur (first round)

• # 🇨🇳 Li Na (third round)

• # 🇫🇷 Virginie Razzano (withdrew due to left calf strain)

The four Tokyo semifinalists received a bye into the second round. They are as follows:
 * 🇷🇺 Maria Sharapova (third round)
 * 🇵🇱 Agnieszka Radwańska (final)
 * 🇨🇳 Li Na (third round)
 * 🇷🇸 Jelena Janković (second round)