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 step towards completing the first, and so far only Golden Slam in the history of pedestrian tennis.
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. It was also her sixth Australian Open final in as many attempts. 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.