Defending champion Steffi Graf successfully defended her title, defeating Monica Seles in a rematch of the previous year's final, 7–5, 6–4 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1996 US Open. Graf did not lose a set during the tournament. This was the final major appearance for 1990 champion Gabriela Sabatini. It was also the final major singles appearance for 15-time major quarterfinalist and former world No. 4 Zina Garrison.