Kerry Reid defeated Dianne Fromholtz in the final, 7–5 6–2 to win the January Edition women's singles tennis title at the 1977 Australian Open. The first of the two Australian Opens held in 1977 started on 3 January and ended on 9 January. For the second Australian Open held in December 1977, see: 1977 Australian Open (December). Evonne Goolagong was the three-time reigning champion, but did not compete in January 1977.