US OPEN

Men’s Final: [CR8] Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs. [CR9] Marin Cilic (CRO)

The finalists were not what the public expected when the draw came out, certainly not what they expected when [CR3]Roger Federer (SUI) and [CR1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) made it to the semi-finals.

It was not a final filled with drama or captivating play simply because only one player showed up.  Cilic came prepared to win his first Major title, while Nishikori forgot that he was the other contender in this final.

It was disappointing because Nishikori, while he may not have as powerful a serve and groundstrokes as Cilic, is a talented player.  He can generate enough pace on his shots and create incredible angles, compensating for his lack of heavy shots. However, it all depends on his movement, which was lacking the entire match.  I was expecting a better performance from Nishikori since he had played so well leading up to the final. His less than inspiring play could have been a matter of fatigue, nerves, or a combination of both.

Cilic took home the 2014 US Open trophy with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, dismantling of Nishikori’s game and Nishikori will have to wait for next year to potentially get another opportunity at his first Major title.