By Erik Gudris | Sunday, September 7, 2014

 

Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori created a surprise US Open men's final with each now seeking their first ever Grand Slam title.

Photo Credit: Reuters

"Super Saturday", as the US Open men's semifinals were formely promoted, turned into "Shock Saturday" as both men's top seeds lost denying for many what looked like the inevitable final when the singles draw came out. Instead, we have two first-time Grand Slam finalists aiming for history.

(10) Marin Cilic vs. (14) Kei Nishikori
Head to Head: Nishikori Leads 5 to 2

Japan's No. 1 Nishikori, who suffered a foot injury earlier this summer, almost withdrew from Flushing Meadows prior to the start. If he had, it would have created a familiar headline in, up until now, what's been a promising career plagued by injuries. When Nishikori beat Milos Raonic in a five set marathon in the fourth round that went into the early morning, that was considered a breakthrough win. But few expected him to grind past Stan Wawrinka in another five setter and then, outlast the heat and a ragged but still determined Novak Djokovic to reach the final.

US Open: Serena and Wozniacki Contend For Women's Title

Nishikori's hard work off-court in improving his fitness is paying off big time in New York and could well prove key should this match go the distance. He's also learned a lot from his work with former French Open champion Michael Chang who has imparted his experience in big matches.

This time last year Cilic wasn't even playing tennis. The Croat sat on the sidelines serving out a provisional ban from the ITF after mistakenly taking a prohibited glucose supplement. On his return, Cilic joined forces with former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic as his coach. Under Ivanisevic's tutelage, Cilic improved not only his serve but his overall mental outlook and confidence.

The results came quickly this season - two titles in three finals back in February, a quarterfinal showing at Wimbledon where he barely lost to Djokovic and then, playing Roger Federer very close in Toronto before losing. That match, despite the loss, inspired Cilic even more that he could beat Federer, something he finally did in straight sets during their US Open semifinal.

This match could well come down to a few key things, intangible and tangible. Certainly Cilic will have to serve well, especially on his second deliveries. Nishikori leads the men's tournament in second serve return points won, and if he keeps that trend up he should find himself enjoying multiple break point opportunities. Cilic, after having the win of his life over Federer, will likely need to replicate that performance to some level again in the final. Nishikori, being the more solid baseliner, can withstand a few miscues and lapses and still find himself in the thick of things. Yet, this match may all come down to who handles this moment better. Will one seize opportunity or wait for the other to hand it to him?

While we've become accustomed in seeing a surprise women's Grand Slam champion occur about every other year now, it's not been the case on the men's side. This will be the first Grand Slam final that will not feature one of the "Big Four" (Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Murray) since the 2005 Australian Open. What this all portends for the ATP's future is probably best left for discussion for another time.

This unexpected final is naturally causing a lot of conversation, for and against it, depending on whoever one was cheering for these past two weeks. Cilic and Nishikori, have both been considered potential Grand Slam winners. Though, for a variety of reason for each man, doubts lingered on if they would ever get their chance. Now on Monday, they both will. A new Grand Slam champion will be crowned, and whoever it is, his life will change forever. That fact alone is a good enough reason alone to tune in and celebrate yet another historic moment in this sport's great history.