Marin Cilic produced a dominant display to clinch the US Open title with a 6-3 6-3 6-3 victory over a weary Kei Nishikori. In a clash between two first-time grand slam finalists the 25-year-old Croatian controlled the contest behind a big forehand and a bludgeoning serve, completing his first grand slam triumph in just an hour and 54 minutes.
Cilic, who dumped out Roger Federer in the semi-finals, served 17 aces and won 80 per cent of the points on his first serve as he outclassed Novak Djokovic’s conqueror Nishikori in all aspects of the game.
Cilic missed last year’s US Open due to a four-month doping ban but has since rejuvenated his career under new coach Goran Ivanisevic, who had previously been the only Croatian man to win one of the major tournaments.
"I think this is all (due to) hard work in the last several years and especially this year," Cilic said at the presentation ceremony at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"My team has brought something special to me - especially Goran. The most important thing he brought to me was (teaching me) to enjoy tennis and to always have fun.
"I enjoyed my best tennis over here and played the best I ever did in my life."
The opening set was uneventful until 14th seed Cilic earned three break points in the sixth game, Nishikori saving the first two before slicing a drop shot wide on the third.
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