US Open Tennis 2014 Men's Final: TV Info and Breakdown of Nishikori vs Cilic
The 2014 U.S. Open men's final doesn't include Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic or any other member of the famed big four. Instead, tennis fans will feast their eyes on a showdown of emerging stars.
Kei Nishikori knocked off No. 1 seed Djokovic, and Marin Cilic trounced 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer. After Nishikori and Cilic shocked the tennis world, the two players will face each other in prime time.
For Cilic, it's a chance to continue his resurgence after a nine-month suspension last September, per the New York Times. The 25-year-old is playing the best tennis of his career and is gearing up for his first Grand Slam final.
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Nishikori, on the other hand, is carrying the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders with relative ease. The Japanese player became the first Asian male to reach a final in a Grand Slam, as Time notes:
With both players coming in to game on the back of huge upsets, either player would emerge with their first major win. Nishikori has shown resilience through long matches, while Cilic enters following a straight-sets victory over Federer.
Prior to the the first serve on Monday night, here's a look at the full viewing info and a breakdown of the match.
2014 U.S. Open Men's Final
When: Monday, Sept. 8, 5 p.m. ET
Where: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing, New York
Watch: CBS
Live Stream: U.S. Open Live
Breakdown of Nishikori vs. Cilic
It's not the one tennis fans expected, but it's the one they'll get. One thing is for certain—both of these players are ready for the spotlight.
Cilic has proved that with several huge wins, including two consecutive blowout victories over Tomas Berdych and Federer. Of the six sets played against the two Top Six opponents, only one was in question.
After blistering Federer in only the second semifinal of his career, Cilic is primed for his first final. He also helped prove that the big four might not be as strong as they were in the past, as ESPN Stats & Info points out:
As for his opponent, Nishikori has been a revelation since the fourth round. The 24-year-old took down Milos Raonic at 2:26 a.m. ET, tying the latest finish in Flushing Meadows and marking a triumphant moment for Nishikori.
But he wasn't done there.
Following the memorable finish in prime time—and the following morning—Nishikori continued his remarkable run. Wins over No. 3 Stanislas Wawrinka and Djokovic secured a chance to take on Cilic on Monday night.
If Nishikori can somehow pull off another win over a Top 15 opponent, it could mean big things for one man, via Darren Rovell of ESPN:
As great as the story is for both players, it could all come tumbling down on Monday night. But with confidence coming in, Nishikori has the upper hand over Cilic in recent contests. Equipped with an overall record of 5-2 over the Croatian, he also has two victories over him in 2014.
While Cilic has a win over Nishikori from the 2012 U.S. Open under his belt, the recent record proves more about the matchup. Though both players come in looking to rewrite history, it will be Nishikori hoisting a major trophy for the first time in his career.
Prediction: Nishikori defeats Cilic, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4
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