Marin Cilic has claimed his maiden Grand Slam title after defeating Kei Nishikori in the final of the US Open.
Cilic cruised to a 6-3 6-3 6-3 victory in a battle between the two first-time Grand Slam finalists, becoming the first Croatian to win a major since Goran Ivanisevic knocked off Pat Rafter at Wimbledon in 2001.
The 25-year-old rose to the occasion, easily dismantling Nishikori in one hour and 54 minutes behind 38 winners on 17 aces in what was the first Grand Slam final since 2005 not to feature one of the four ATP powerhouses- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray; winners of 36 of the past 39 majors.
Cilic re-joins the top 10 (no.9) for the first time since 2010, bouncing back after last year’s four-month drug suspension.
“Seems completely unreal to be called ‘Grand Slam champion,'” Cilic said.
“This is all hard work in these last several years, and especially this last year,” he added.
“Everything I was working for and dreaming came today. For all the other players that are working hard, this is a big sign, a big hope, that if you’re working hard, things are going to pay off.”
Cilic only returned to the ATP circuit in February after failing a doping test ahead of Wimbledon last year, and credited his new coach as a major factor in the turnaround.
“My team has brought something special to me, especially Goran (coach Ivanisevic). We’re working really hard, but most important from all the things he brought to me was enjoying tennis and always having fun, and I think enjoyed my best tennis over here and played the best ever in my life.”
Sunday’s win not only restored Cilic’s ranking as a top 10 player, but also provided him with a $US3 million cheque for his efforts and one of the eight spots in November’s illustrious Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.
Photo: Chris Trotman/Getty Images
