Amélie Mauresmo defeated Justine Henin-Hardenne in the final, 6–1, 2–0 ret., to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2006 Australian Open. It was her first major title. Henin-Hardenne was suffering from stomach cramps resulting from the accidental misuse of anti-inflammatories for a chronic shoulder injury.[1] This was Mauresmo's third match of the tournament where her opponent retired.[2] Mauresmo and Henin-Hardenne would have a rematch in the Wimbledon final later that year, where Mauresmo would win in three sets.
This tournament saw three-time Australian Open champion Martina Hingis make her first major appearance since the 2002 US Open, after a three-year absence from the tour.[4] It marked the first major main draw appearance for future world No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka.[5]