Australian Open 2015: Breaking Down Men's and Women's Final Results

The 2015 Australian Open was the first Grand Slam of the season for tennis fans, and the action in the men’s and women’s finals was enough to satisfy hardcore and casual fans alike.

With Novak Djokovic taking on Andy Murray in the men’s final and Serena Williams squaring off against longtime foe Maria Sharapova, tennis fans were treated to two of the most interesting matchups imaginable.

Here are breakdowns of the men’s and women’s finals at the 2015 Australian Open.

No. 1 Novak Djokovic def. No. 6 Andy Murray, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-0

Rob Griffith/Associated Press

Djokovic is the top men’s tennis player in the world, and he showcased his dominance against No. 6 seed Murray in the final of the Australian Open 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-0.

The two men battled hard through the first two sets, exchanging heavy aces and spectacular returns, but Djokovic shifted into another gear in the third set and put Murray away in dominant fashion in the fourth.

Djokovic told ATPWorldTour.com about what the victory means now that his life has changed so much behind the scenes:

"

I think [this victory] has deeper meaning, more intrinsic value now to my life because I'm a father and a husband. Getting married and becoming a father in the last six months was definitely something that gave me a new energy, something that I never felt before. And right now, everything has been going in such a positive direction. I'm so grateful for that.

"

Just as Djokovic got stronger as the matchup with Stan Wawrinka dragged on, he did the same against Murray. The British star is usually better in the latter sets, but he never looked comfortable, and Djokovic decimated his challenger in the third and fourth sets.

After winning his fifth career Australian Open and starting off 2015 in dominant fashion, this could mean trouble for the other men’s challengers. A red-hot Djokovic could potentially sweep this year’s Grand Slams playing this well.

No. 1 Serena Williams def. No. 2 Maria Sharapova, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)

Andy Brownbill/Associated Press

Over the course of their careers, No. 1 seed Williams has dominated No. 2 seed Sharapova, and the lopsided matchup continued at the Australian Open. Williams earned the victory in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).

Despite dealing with an illness and going head-to-head with a player many believed was ready to take her crown, Williams put on a dominant performance and shut down Sharapova with her power and accuracy.

While no tennis fan can question Williams’ strength, her consistency made her dangerous in this year’s first Grand Slam. If she can continue hitting with accuracy and power and stay healthy, there isn’t a woman playing today who can stop her.

Williams now has six Australian Open championships to her name and 19 career Grand Slam victories, making her one of the most decorated athletes in all of tennis, not just on the women’s side of the bracket.

Sharapova deserves an immense amount of credit for making it to the final, but Williams has the ability and momentum to remain the top women’s tennis player in the world as long as her body doesn’t fail her.

Stats and information via AusOpen.com.