Roger Federer was the defending champion in the men's singles event and successfully retained his title (his sixth), his record twentieth Grand Slam major overall, defeating Marin Čilić in the final, while Caroline Wozniacki won the women's title, defeating Simona Halep in the final to win her first Grand Slam.

It also marked the 30th anniversary of the Australian Open moving from the Kooyong Tennis Club to Melbourne Park.

There were singles and doubles events for both boys and girls (players under 18), which were part of the Grade A category of tournaments, and also singles, doubles and quad events for men's and women's wheelchair tennis players as part of the NEC tour under the Grand Slam category.

The Australian Open total prize money for 2018 was increased by 10% to a tournament record A$55,000,000.

However, matches were extended to 14 January 2018 due to bad weather on the third day of qualifying.