fifth-seeded nancy richey defeated ann jones in the final, 5–7, 6–4, 6–1 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1968 french open. it was richey's first french open title and second (and last) grand slam title after the 1967 australian championships. françoise dürr was the defending champion but was defeated in the fourth round by gail sherriff. the tournament was the first grand slam tournament of the open era, in which professionals were allowed to compete against amateurs.