Victoria Azarenka defeated Maria Sharapova in the final, 6–3, 6–0 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2012 Australian Open.

Azarenka was the first Belarusian to win a singles major, and became the world No.

[a] Caroline Wozniacki, Petra Kvitová and Sharapova were also in contention for the top ranking.

Kim Clijsters was the defending champion, but was defeated in the semifinals by Azarenka.

1 Ashleigh Barty, who was defeated in the first round by Anna Tatishvili.