The first grand slam of the 2011 season , the Australian Open , took place in Melbourne . Novak ##ović and Kim Clijsters will be defending their men 's and women 's singles titles . In 1976 , Mark Edmondson , world ranked 212th , claimed a shock victory in the final . The last of his wins came in 1972 at the age of 37 years and two months , making Rosewall the oldest grand slam singles champion in history -- while the 19-year span between his first and last title is also a record . Martina Hingis became the youngest grand slam winner when she won in 1997 .
The first grand slam of the 2011 season , the Australian Open , took place in Melbourne . Novak ##ović and Kim Clijsters will be defending their men 's and women 's singles titles . In 1976 , Mark Edmondson , world ranked 212th , claimed a shock victory in the final . Martina Hingis became the youngest grand slam winner when she won in 1997 .