US Open 2014: Kei Nishikori vs Marin Cilic match preview

A look ahead to the men’s final encounter

Kei Nishikori, of Japan, reacts after defeating Novak Djokovic (AP)

If you had a bet on a Kei Nishikori- Marin Cilic final, then you must be one happy man now.

It will be the first Grand Slam final since the Australian Open 2005 (where Marat Safin defeated Lleyton Hewitt), without Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic.

But even in 2005 it wasn’t as surprising, because the two players were both former world no. 1’s. Tonight at Flushing Meadows we will witness two players making their finals debut when the world no. 8 takes on the world no.12.

As surprising as it sounds, there was no luck involved on their way to the final, no injuries, no early exits. They both had to contest the biggest names of today’s tennis; leaving everything they had on the court on the way to the final.

Cilic and Nishikori have both reached their first ever grand slam final (EPA)

En route to the final Cilic beat the likes of Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych; whereas, Nishikori had to endure encounters against Novak Djokovic, Milos Raonic and Stan Wawrinka.

The two players have met each other seven times before, of which Nishikori has been victorious five times. Interestingly the Croat’s coach Goran Ivanisevic was once Nishikori’s coach’s (Michael Chang) rival. Ivanisevic played Chang on 11 occasions back in the day and with Chang having a slight advantage in their head-to head matchup, 6-5.

The winner will leave New York $3million richer and a maiden Grand Slam trophy.

START: Monday, Arthur Ashe Stadium, 10pm

LAST THREE MEETINGS:

2014- Barcelona (Clay) Nishikori won 6-1, 6-3

2014- Brisbane (Hard) Nishikori won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2

2013- Memphis (Hard) Nishikori won 6-4, 6-2

STATS:

Nishikori lost in the first round of the US Open last year, while Cilic didn’t even take part in the tournament.

Nishikori is the only Asian player ever to reach a Grand Slam final.

Cilic’s highest ranking was world number nine; Nishikori will keep a career-high eighth spot if he loses in the final, and reach fifth if he wins.

Nishikori has spent almost two hours more on court than Cilic with 16:26, to Cilic’s 14:49.

Nishikori has 5 career titles to Cilic’s 11, however, Cilic turned pro three years before Nishikori.

Cilic has slightly more career prize money earnings with $7,581,780 to Nishikori’s $5,441,044.

Both coaches have only won one Grand Slam each. Michael Chang – French Open 1989, and Goran Ivanisevic- Wimbledon 2001.

ODDS:

Nishikori to win 1.93

Cilic to win 2.06

TV: Sky Sports 3/ Eurosport