See main article: 1972 Australian Open.
Defending champion Ken Rosewall defeated Mal Anderson in the final, 7–6(7–2), 6–3, 7–5 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 1972 Australian Open. It was his eighth and last Grand Slam tournament singles title, and at 37 years, 1 month old, he became the oldest major champion in men's singles in the Open Era.
The seeded players are listed below. Ken Rosewall is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
John Newcombe (quarterfinals) Ken Rosewall (champion) John Alexander (third round) Owen Davidson (second round) Tony Roche (withdrew before the tournament began) Colin Dibley (third round) Mal Anderson (finals) Dick Crealy (quarterfinals) Allan Stone (semifinals) John Cooper (quarterfinals) Geoff Masters (second round)