The 1961 Australian Championships was a tennis tournament that took place on outdoor grass courts at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, Melbourne, Australia from 20 to 30 January.[1] It was the 49th edition of the Australian Championships (now known as the Australian Open), the 14th held in Melbourne, and the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. The singles titles were taken by Roy Emerson and Margaret Smith.
See main article: 1961 Australian Championships – Men's singles. 
Roy Emerson defeated Rod Laver 1–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–4[2]
See main article: 1961 Australian Championships – Women's singles. Margaret Smith defeated Jan Lehane 6–1, 6–4[3]
Rod Laver / Bob Mark defeated Roy Emerson / Marty Mulligan 6–3, 7–5, 3–6, 9–11, 6–2[4]
Mary Carter Reitano / Margaret Smith defeated Mary Bevis Hawton / Jan Lehane, 6–4, 3–6, 7–5[5]
Jan Lehane / Bob Hewitt defeated Mary Carter Reitano / John Pearce, 9–7, 6–2[6]