The first Grand Slam of the year got off with a bang in Melbourne as tennis fans were treated to plenty of thrills and spills at the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic etched his name into tennis folklore by becoming the only man in the Open era to win three successive titles Down Under.

Meanwhile, Victoria Azarenka gave spectators more than enough to talk about as she retained her Aussie crown.

Sports Mole takes a look back at five of the biggest talking points from the tournament.

King Djokovic reigns supreme

There can be no doubting that Novak Djokovic deserved to win his third consecutive Australian Open title, and fourth overall, following an imperious two weeks in Melbourne. The world number one proved once again that he can outlast any of his peers on court with some astoundingly brilliant tennis.

Belligerent Azarenka triumphs again

Forget all of the talk about Victoria Azarenka's gamesmanship during her semi-final triumph over American teenager Sloane Stephens: a second consecutive title Down Under must be applauded. It wasn't always pretty, but her stubbornness when it matters is a trait that many of her opponents would die for.

Murray in the mix

The history books may say that he has lost five Grand Slam finals out of six, but Andy Murray's fortnight in Melbourne was further proof that he is now firmly at the top table of men's tennis. It would be a big surprise if he ended the year without another major title to his name.

Stephens on the map

A victory over Serena Williams in the quarter-finals has all but made 19-year-old Sloane Stephens a household name in women's tennis. Her controversial defeat to Victoria Azarenka in the semi-finals will have earned her a lot of sympathy, but she will now have to deal with the added pressure that her run to the last four will inevitably bring.

British girls making inroads

British women's tennis continues to thrill thanks to Laura Robson and Heather Watson's performances in Melbourne. The highlight for Watson was a remarkable comeback against Russia's Ksenia Pervak in the second round, while Robson caused one of the upsets of the tournament with her victory over former Wimbledon champions Petra Kvitova in the third round.