Kim ClijstersdefeatedLi Nain the final, 3–6, 6–3, 6–3 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2011 Australian Open. It was her firstAustralian Opentitle and her fourth and lastmajoroverall, as well as the last singles title of her career.
Li became the first Asian player to reach a singles major final, and would go on to win theFrench Opena few months later. This was the first major whereCaroline Wozniackicompeted as the world No. 1; she lost to Li in the semifinals, despite having a match point in the second set.
Serena Williamswas the two-time reigning champion, but did not participate due to a long-term foot injury.
This marked the last major for two former world No. 1's:Justine HeninandDinara Safina,who both retired due to injury (Henin's elbow and Safina's back).[1]