By Erik Gudris | Monday, September 8, 2014
In less than two hours, Marin Cilic overwhelmed Kei Nishikori to win his first US Open title in Monday's men's final.
Photo Credit: AP
Marin Cilic of Croatia claimed his first ever Grand Slam singles title with a comprehensive performance in Monday's US Open men's final.
No. 14 seed Cilic faced off against fellow first time Grand Slam finalist No. 10 seed Kei Nishikori of Japan. Nishikori defeated top seed Novak Djokovic in the semfinals while Cilic beat Roger Federer in their semi to set up this surprise final.
Using big serves and potent groundstrokes, Cilic took early control in the opening set. Soon he claimed the set 6-3.
With Nishikori unable to make much headway in Cilic's serving, it allowed the Croat to again take the second set by the same scoreline.
Cilic's only real threat against him taking the title came late in the final set. Up a break at 4-2, Cilic fought off three break point chances against him. Cilic later served for the match ahead 5-3. With a final crosscourt backhand winner, Cilic sealed the 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory in one hour and 54 minutes.
Cilic become the first Croatian man to win a Grand Slam title since his coach Goran Ivanisevic won Wimbledon back in 2001.
"I think this is all hard work, in these last years, especially this last year," Cilic told CBS's Mary Carillo during the trophy ceremony. "I think my team has brought something special to me especially Goran. Most important thing he brought to me was joy in tennis and always having fun and I think I enjoyed my best tennis over here and played the best ever in my life."
A complete recap will be posted soon.