Not many would have predicted that Marin Cilic would meet Kei Nishikori for the U. S. Open men's singles title, but both players entered Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday with a chance to win their first Grand Slam championship. And it was Cilic who rolled to the title 6-3 6-3 6-3.

In the first set, after both opponents looked to find the flow of the match, it was Cilic taking the first advantage and breaking Nishikori's serve. The native of Japan struggled to find his game, leaving many balls short and in the wheelhouse of the 6'6” Croat, who powered them for winners. Cilic, in much the way he excelled in his semifinal match, struck hard, precise, angled groundstrokes that Nishikori found difficult to overcome. The result was a first set that came with ease to Cilic, who only faced two winners from his opponent.

As the second set began, Nishikori hoped to settle down from potential nerves and was outwardly frustrated with his slow start. He jumped out to a fast, early service game in which he duplicated his total number of winners from the first set. However, Cilic found much easier service games as the set progressed, and he covered the court remarkably well for a man his size. Despite a late effort in the set by Nishikori, Cilic would close it out against an opponent who may have finally felt the effects of his string of marathon matches in the tournament.

Cilic continued his phenomenal serving success as the third set began. And as Nishikori struggled, much of the New York crowd attempted to encourage the 24-year-old. However, as the Croat broke serve once more, it appeared Nishikori had little left to mount a comeback. Down a break and late in the set, he would show signs of life and battle in a game that felt as though it could be his last stand. In the hard-fought, pivotal game, Cilic held behind his impressive serve. The Croat would close out the match, appropriately, on his serve soon afterward.

Cilic won 80 percent of his first-serve points on the day and fired 17 aces. His big groundstrokes controlled and overpowered Nishikori all night.

The Croat was thrilled afterwards, “Everything I was working for and dreaming for came today,” he said. “For all the other players that are working hard, I hope this is a sign that things are going to pay off. It was a really fun two weeks here. I hope I can be coming back next year.”

The victory caps off quite a comeback, since one year ago Cilic was unable to compete in the United States Open as he served a four-month ban for testing positive for a stimulant. He credited his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, for encouraging him to enjoy tennis again following his difficult period.

Nishikori thanked and addressed his team, led by Michael Chang, with “Sorry I couldn't get a trophy today. But for sure next time.”