US Open 2014: Kei Nishikori vs Marin Cilic - the men's singles final from Flushing Meadows in numbers - Telegraph US Open US Open 2014: Kei Nishikori vs Marin Cilic - the men's singles final from Flushing Meadows in numbers The US Open final will be the first time in nine years that none of the Big Four has contested a grand slam final. It is just one of a number of startling statistics surrounding a most unlikely final Face off: Marin Cilic meets Kei Nishikori in the final of the US Open Photo: EPA; GETTY IMAGES Follow Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic meet on Monday night in the most unlikely US Open final in many years. You could have got odds of 250/1 on either man to win the title earlier this summer and the extraordinary statistics do not stop there. The last 38 grand slam finals have all featured at least one member of the so-called 'Big Four' (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray).

During that nine-year period Federer has made 25 final appearances in all, Nadal (20), Djokovic (14) and Murray (7). The last time a grand slam final was played without a member of the 'Big Four' was the Australian Open final in 2005, when Marat Safin beat Lleyton Hewitt 1–6, 6–3, 6–4, 6–4. Nishikori began the tournament as 10th seed while Cilic was 14th-seed. It is 12 years since none of the top-eight seeds made the final of a grand slam final. On that occasion, at the French Open in 2002, Alberto Costa beat Juan Carlos Ferrero 6–1, 6–0, 4–6, 6–3.

Related Articles Peng and Makarova out to upset odds 04 Sep 2014 Nishikori and Cilic are both looking for their maiden grand slam title on Monday night, joining Stanislas Wawrinka - who lifted the Australian Open in Jnauary - as first time winners of a 'slam' in the same year. The last time at least two men won maiden singles titles was 2003 when three players - Juan Carlos Ferrero (French Open), Roger Federer (Wimbledon) and Andy Roddick (US Open) - claimed their first major title. Regardless of who wins on Monday night this will be the first time since 1998 that all eight singles grand slam titles are held by different players. It will be only the third time since the start of the Open era that this has happened. 2014 men's and women's singles champions Men's singles champion US Open Tennis 2014 Men's Final: Kei Nishikori vs. Marin Cilic Predictions | Bleacher Report US Open Tennis 2014 Men's Final: Kei Nishikori vs.

Marin Cilic Predictions By Michelle Bruton , Featured Columnist Sep 7, 2014 Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse more stories Charles Krupa/Associated Press 3 Comments It's not the U.S. Open Men's Final ticket-holders were expecting. In a stunning turn of events on Saturday, Kei Nishikori upset No. 1 Novak Djokovic and not long after, Marin Cilic defeated five-time champion Roger Federer in straight sets to advance to the Grand Slam final. Let’s pause to acknowledge Federer-Nadal-Djokovic. It will be almost a decade -!-since we’ve had a Major final without at least one of them — Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) September 6, 2014 The events of the men's semifinal made history in multiple ways. As Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim pointed out, this will be the first Major final in nearly a decade without Federer, Djokovic or Rafael Nadal competing. That's 34 grand slam finals featuring at least one member of the "Big Four," which includes Andy Murray, per Simon Briggs of The Telegraph .

Additionally, Nishikori, who was born in Japan, becomes the first Asian tennis player to advance to the U.S. Open Grand Slam singles final (his coach Michael Chang, who competed in the 1996 final, was born in New Jersey). Kei Nishikori Is The First Asian Tennis Player To Reach The US Open Grand Slam Singles Final — BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) September 6, 2014 Saturday marked Cilic's first-ever win over Federer, and it was on the biggest of stages. As these two underdogs—No. 14 seed Cilic and No. 10 seed Nishikori—prepare to compete in each of their first major final, the question becomes who will emerge with his first title on Monday. The Case for Kei Nishikori Mike Groll/Associated Press Nishikori heads into the final coming off a win over the No. 1 men's singles player in the world, which is no small accomplishment.

Prior to advancing to the semifinal, he had to endure consecutive five-setters, but showed few signs of lethargy as he got to work defeating the Serb 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3. The obstacles Nishikori overcame on his path to the final included having to beat fifth-seeded Milos Raonic in the fourth round, a match which took more than four hours. He then upset third-seeded Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka. As Briggs noted , pulling off a five-set win on a hard court—let alone against the top player in the sport—is one of the toughest feats in tennis. Prior to Saturday's win, the furthest Nishikori had advanced was to the quarterfinals of the 2012 Australian Open. He had played Djokovic twice previously, falling to him in the second round of the 2010 French Open and upsetting him in 2011 in Switzerland.

Chang, his coach and a Grand Slam-winner who made a name for himself when he won the French Open at 17 in 1989, has been instrumental in Nishikori's success this year and will be invaluable in helping propel the 24-year-old to a title over Cilic. Chang became Nishikori's coach this season and his influence has been obvious. "Kei knows that I've been down the same road before, so he's not going to be worrying about whether he can trust his coach, and whether he can lean on me for advice," Chang told Mark Hodgkinson of Wimbledon.com . "Other coaches can’t offer that as they’ve never been there before." Disappointing injuries kept Nishikori from competing in the U.S. Open in the past, including a right elbow in 2009. This year, he had a cyst removed from his foot at the beginning of August that left him questionable for the tournament, but he came back to win and then some. The Case for Marin Cilic Charles Krupa/Associated Press Federer didn't play poorly Saturday, with 28 winners to 17 unforced errors, but Cilic was better.

His game was error-free and his straight-sets win, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, included three aces in the final game. The Croatian had never beaten Federer, but he overpowered him in the semifinal. As Nishikori can cite coach Chang's influence for his recent level of play, so too can Cilic, who is coached by fellow Croat Goran Ivanisevic, whom he counts as one of his idols. The 2001 Wimbledon champion became Cilic's coach last year, helping him through his four-month ban for a banned substance for which he tested positive. "I've always followed his career," Ivanisevic told David Cox of the New York Times in June. "I've always been there for him if he needed help. So when he asked me to coach him, I was happy." Ivanisevic has been working with Cilic to use his size and strength to play more aggressively, and the results were on display for all to see in his systematic win over Federer. Nearly half of all points won by Cilic were straight winners, per The Changeover's Juan Jose Vallejo.

Almost half of all points won by Marin Cilic in this match were straight winners. Take a little bit of time to digest that. — Juan José Vallejo (@juanjosetennis) September 6, 2014 Federer, whose path to the title this year was clear after Nadal dropped out and Murray exited early, hardly stood a chance. This wasn't Cilic's first notable U.S. Open upset, but it is by far his most high-profile. The Croatian defeated then-No. 2 Murray in the fourth round of the 2009 Open before Murray then defeated him in the semifinals of the 2010 Australian Open. Now, he is primed for his first Grand Slam win if he can defeat Nishikori. Final Prediction: Marin Cilic def. Kei Nishikori At 6'6", Cilic plays a powerful game, while Nishikori will attempt to win off his agility and speed. Monday's final is a bit of a wild card, but it ultimately comes down to the prowess Cilic has demonstrated on his path there.

While Nishikori had to endure back-to-back five-setters to reach the final and had to work to put away Djokovic, Cilic's victory over Federer was a thorough dismantling, in error-free straight sets. "To be able to play like this I never dreamed of and I think today was my best performance ever in my career," Cilic said Saturday, per Piers Newbery of BBC Sport . Cilic's power was evident in his three aces to serve out the victory. His sheer size advantage over the 5'10" Nishikori may be the moment the tennis world looks back on as the definitive turn toward a pattern of taller players in the sport. If he can apply the same lights-out playing he enacted on Federer Monday, Cilic looks to be the next U.S. Open men's singles champion. Marin Cilic wins 2014 U.S. Open men's title - SBNation.com Marin Cilic wins 2014 U.S. Open men's title Rec Al Bello Thanks in part to a dominating serve, No. 14 Marin Cilic defeated No.

10 Kei Nishikori in straight sets to win the 2014 U.S. Open men's singles title. The 6-3, 6-3 6-3 victory clinched Cilic the first Grand Slam title of his career. He appeared to be the dominant side throughout the match and capped the final set in convincing fashion. Cilic overpowered Nishikori with his serve at times, recording 17 aces compared to two from Nishikori. While Nishikori struggled some with his serve, Cilic won 80 percent of his first service points. His strong service gave him a dominant advantage against Nishikori who held tough, but never really appeared to threaten Cilic. In addition to his strong power game, Cilic played aggressively and even appeared to be the fresher player. His path to the final was a bit less strenuous than Nishikori's who was coming off a pair of five-set wins and one four-set victory. Women's Final Serena Williams claims another U.S. Open title The 25-year-old Cilic claimed his first Grand Slam title with the win in his first appearance in a Grand Slam final.

His previous best finish was a semifinal appearance at the 2010 Australian Open. Nishikori came up short of the title, but took the runner up finish, an impressive feat considering he appeared on the way to an early exit against No. 5 Milos Raonic in the fourth round. Trailing 2-1 and hobbled by a foot injury, Nishikori rallied to win that match in five sets. He followed it up with another five-set victory, this time against No. 3 Stan Wawrinka. That sent him to the semifinals where he upset No. 1 Novak Djokovic in four sets. Health has long been an issue for the 24-year-old, but if he can remain in the form he displayed at the U.S. Open, it may not be long before he's in contention at another Grand Slam event. More From SBNation.com Who Won the 2014 US Open Men's Singles Title? Home » Tennis » US Open Men's Singles » 2014 US Open Men's Singles Who Won the 2014 US Open Men's Singles Title?

Marin Cilic USTA National Tennis Center - New York, NY Runner Up: Kei Nishikori Last year Marin Cilic watched the U.S. Open at home because he was banned for what he claims was an unjust doping suspicion. A year later he wins his first Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over Kei Nishikori. Cilic came into the tournament ranked 16th, and became the first man ranked outside the top ten to win the U.S. Open in a decade. He also prevented Nishikori from becoming the first man from Asia to win the title. Both men were making their Grand Slam finals debut. Cilic won the last 10 sets he played in the tournament, including a sweep of Roger Federer in the semifinals.

Novak Djokovic US Open Tennis 2014: Men's Final Results and Updated Singles Rankings | Bleacher Report US Open Tennis 2014: Men's Final Results and Updated Singles Rankings Darron Cummings/Associated Press Sean ODonnell Contributor IIIJanuary 10, 2017 The tennis world saw a new major champion emerge Monday after No. 14 Marin Cilic defeated No. 10 Kei Nishikori in three sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 at the 2014 U.S. Open. Cilic's average first-serve speed of 124 mph proved to be too daunting of a task for the No. 10 seed to handle, as Nishikori allowed 17 aces and struggled mightily on the return. At 6'6", Cilic displayed his raw power during the men's final. He notched 38 winners thanks to a combination of strong overheads and scorching backhands. This particular backhand winner earned the No.

14 seed a major title, via US Open Tennis : US Open Tennis @usopen 9/8/2014, 11:05:23 PM It wasn't as though Nishikori provided a poor showing—he was simply outperformed by Cilic. Nishikori showed a great deal of fight and resilience, even when the match was far out of hand. In the third set down 4-1, he took two of the next three games before Cilic notched the win. After the match, the No. 10 seed exuded confidence in himself going forward, via SI Tennis: SI Tennis @SI_Tennis Nishikori: "I showed my potential I can beat anybody now. So if I can keep train hard &amp; practice hard, I think I have more chance coming up" 9/9/2014, 12:31:00 AM He has every right to be fully confident in himself in the future. Although he failed to emerge victorious in the end, Nishikori gained plenty of momentum after defeating the likes of No. 5 Milos Raonic, No. 3 Stan Wawrinka and No.

1 Novak Djokoivc along the way at the U.S. Open. That's an impressive feat for any player. As for Cilic, he may have more confidence and momentum than just about anyone at this point. It was a fantastic personal effort, but the victory was immensely important for his coach and country as well. US Open Tennis tweeted the statistic: US Open Tennis @usopen .@cilic_marin is the first Croat to win a major since his coach, Goran #Ivanisevic, won Wimbledon in 2001. #usopen 9/8/2014, 11:29:52 PM What does this mean for both men going forward? For one thing, each moved up significantly in the ATP men's singles rankings. Here's a look at where they currently stand: ATP Men's Singles Rankings Following 2014 U.S. Open Rank 3,045 ATPWorldTour.com Both Nishikori and Cilic leaped several spots. This could have significant impact on this year's ATP World Tour Finals. As we know, only the eight best players are eligible to compete in the prestigious tournament.

Nishikori made his way into the top eight after surging three spots up the standings due to his stellar showing in New York. Cilic moved up a total of four spots to gain the No. 12 ranking. He's in great position to join Nishikori in the top eight by the time November rolls around should he keep up this high level of play. We still have plenty of tournaments remaining on the season's schedule, including the Shanghai Rolex Masters, BNP Paribas Masters and more. This leaves plenty of time for the surging Nishikori and Cilic to further make their marks in 2014 before the season's finale.

US Open men's final: Live Report US Open men's final: Live Report AFP Sports with Susan Stumme in Washington Share View photos Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Roger Federer at the US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on September 13, 2015 (AFP Photo/Jewel Samad) More New York (AFP) - 03:12 GMT - Djokovic wins second US Open, 10th Grand Slam title - AFP IS NOW CLOSING THIS LIVE REPORT after Novak Djokovic won his second US Open title -- and 10th Grand Slam crown -- with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Roger Federer, who was thwarted in his quest for a record sixth championship at Flushing Meadows. The 28-year-old world number one withstood a punishing barrage of shots from the 34-year-old Federer, who had hoped to become the oldest champion in New York in 45 years. The win left the world's top two players -- who have played each other 42 times -- with a perfectly even split of 21 wins apiece.

The win gave Djokovic his third Grand Slam title of the year. It came after a three-hour rain delay -- meaning the players did battle under the bright lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, adding to the electric atmosphere. Read on to find out how today's final, which lasted three hours and 20 minutes, unfolded -- and thanks for checking out our live report! 02:57 GMT - 'Tremendous respect' - Djokovic expresses his "tremendous respect" for Federer, saying: "I have to share my admiration for Roger and everything he is doing for tennis. He's still improving." He says the 2015 season -- with three Grand Slam wins, only the French Open escaping him -- is "even sweeter" for him, now that he is a husband and father. Novak says, "I'm going to... enjoy this victory as much as I can." Djokovic is handed a check for $3.3 million for the US Open title and the champion's trophy. Red, white and blue confetti streamers cover the court.

02:50 GMT - 'Another great win' - At the trophy ceremony, Federer says he has had a "wonderful last two weeks" at Flushing Meadows. "Being back in the finals is where you want to be," he says about his first appearance in the US Open championship match since 2009. "I thought it was a great match," he says. "Congratulations, Novak -- another great win." "I'll see you guys next year," Roger says to a crowd that was decidedly behind him throughout the match. 02:47 GMT - Rivalry for the ages - Novak and Roger have met 42 times. They now each have won 21 times. A perfectly even split. 02:45 GMT - Super Sunday for Djokovic - World number one Novak Djokovic has won his second US Open title and 10th Major, defeating crowd favorite Roger Federer in four sets, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. The title is Djokovic's third Grand Slam championship of the year.

Shrugging off a three-hour rain delay at the start of the match, he shattered the 34-year-old Federer's bid to become the oldest US Open champion in 45 years and left him marooned on 17 Grand Slam titles. Federer -- the world number two, who last won a Major at Wimbledon in 2012 -- is courtside awaiting the trophy ceremony, looking decidedly forlorn. DJOKOVIC WINS SECOND US OPEN TITLE, BEATING FEDERER, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 02:32 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 5-4 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer does not want to go out without a fight. He holds with a brilliant forehand passing shot, and now Djokovic will serve again for the championship. The noise is really something in the stadium. Novak is getting hardly any crowd support.

02:30 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 5-3 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer is not done yet! He comes to net and finishes the game with a backhand volley. Roger is still down a break. He will serve to stay in the match. 02:24 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 5-2 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic now has the double break and will serve for the match! Novak's coach Boris Becker and his wife Jelena are looking fired up now. 02:20 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 4-2 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic holds. Federer wastes another break opportunity, missing a forehand wide. The match has hit the three-hour mark. Fun celeb watch: Bradley Cooper is sitting with Sean Connery.

02:14 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 3-2 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer holds easily. We're getting down to the nitty-gritty now, as Roger needs to really start mounting a comeback to take this to a fifth and final set. 02:11 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 3-1 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic holds and is three games from the championship. Federer's forehand seems to have abandoned him. In his box, wife Mirka (hands over her face) and coach Stefan Edberg are looking less than cheerful. 02:08 GMT - American takes boys' title - From my colleague Dave James: America has a champion at the US Open -- top-seeded Taylor Fritz wins the boys' singles title on Sunday by beating compatriot Tommy Paul in three sets.

02:07 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 2-1 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer holds, but Djokovic is still up a break. 02:05 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 2-0 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic consolidates the break when Federer sends a backhand up the line slightly wide. The pro-Federer crowd is somewhat muted, sensing that time is running out. Can the 17-time Grand Slam champ rally? 02:01 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 1-0 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic breaks to open the fourth set. He is winning lots of the long rallies now. Federer sends a meek backhand into the net to end the game. Federer has never beaten Djokovic in five sets, according to ESPN.

01:56 GMT - Nail-biter - From WTA Tour player Monica Puig, on Twitter (@MonicaAce93): "Attention Federer and Djokovic... You guys are ruining my manicure! #NailBitingFrenzy" 01:54 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 6-4 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - After saving two break points, Djokovic takes the third set! He now leads the match, two sets to one. Will Federer have the fire to come from behind to win in five, or will Novak claim his second US Open crown? Roger serves to open the fourth set, coming up. THIRD SET TO DJOKOVIC, 6-4. DJOKOVIC LEADS TWO SETS TO ONE 01:46 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 5-4 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic shows some fire, battling twice to deuce and then breaking Federer. Novak now serves for the third set.

In the last game, cameras catch Robert Redford stifling a yawn. He'd better drink some coffee as we head for at least a fourth set and possibly a fifth. 01:41 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 4-4 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Novak survives a pretty shaky game. Djokovic had run out to a quick 40-0 lead, but lost his focus, and Roger crept back into the game, battling back to deuce. Federer then had two break points, but could not convert. This is a true test of wills. Who will triumph? This match is FAR from over. 01:34 GMT - 'Match between friends' - Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, who beat Federer in 2009 for the US Open title, on Twitter (@delpotrojuan): "A great Sunday and excellent match between friends" The tweet includes a photo of Del Potro pointing at his TV screen -- displaying the match.

01:32 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 3-4 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer is winning his service games with ease. Each one is clocking in at about a minute, says my colleague Jim Slater. 01:30 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 3-3 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic lets the first two points of the game go, but then rights himself, winning the next four. We are on serve in the third set at 3-all. An observation from my colleague Dave James: the hostile crowd shouldn't bother Djokovic. After all, he has played Davis Cup for Serbia in Croatia. 01:27 GMT - Fashionable crowd - From my colleague Dave James: Vogue editor Anna Wintour -- a major tennis fan -- is sitting with David Beckham. Yes, she is wearing her sunglasses at night. 01:26 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 2-3 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer holds at love. Four very quick points.

Roger seems to be gaining confidence. ESPN analyst John McEnroe says it's essential for Federer to take the third set if he wants to contend for the title. 01:24 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 2-2 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer breaks right back when Djokovic nets a backhand. We're even in the third. The gladiators of tennis are really slugging it out in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match is just about at the two-hour mark. It's 9:24 pm in New York. 01:17 GMT - Roger's wicked game? - From former Wimbledon champ Pat Cash on Twitter (@TheRealPatCash): "Clever mind games from #Federer at the moment. Will it get in #djokovic's head? Very interesting at the moment." 01:16 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 2-1 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Novak hangs on for the break.

Despite unleashing a barrage of hard ground strokes, Federer sprays a few wide, and the Serb world number one moves ahead. 01:12 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 1-1 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer goes on the attack, but dumps two volleys into the net. Djokovic holds. We're at 1-all. The crowd is no longer even attempting to remain quiet during points, with plenty of oohs and aahhs as the players strike their ground strokes with authority. 01:07 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 0-1 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer starts the third set strong, holding easily. 01:05 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-7 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer breaks Djokovic to take the second set! Roger pumps his fist, and the crowd -- heavily biased in favor of Federer -- erupts. The final is a best-of-five-set match, so settle in, sports fans.

It's going to be an epic clash as the world's top two players battle it out for the title in Flushing Meadows. SECOND SET TO FEDERER, 7-5. MATCH TIED AT ONE SET ALL 00:58 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-6 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Can Roger hold serve after that heart-stopping marathon game? Answer: yes. Djokovic will now have his back up against the wall again. He needs to hold to send the second set to a tiebreak. 00:55 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 5-5 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - What a game! Novak fends off two break/set points for Federer and then closes out the marathon game when Federer sends the ball sailing out. The game goes to deuce seven times. The match is now more than 90 minutes old. 00:38 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 4-5 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - It's not quite as easy, but Federer holds.

A monster overhead from Roger during the game earns cheers. Djokovic will now serve to stay in the set. 00:34 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 4-4 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - This set is definitely to the servers -- no one has had much of a look to break in several games now. Novak holds, and back over to Roger. 00:31 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 3-4 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer keeps up his dominance on serve in this second set, again holding at love. Djokovic nets a backhand return to end the game. 00:29 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 3-3 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic continues to punish Federer's approaches to the net with pinpoint passing shots. Roger dumps a forehand into the net, and we are even at 3-all in the second set.

00:27 GMT - Courtside color - From my colleague Jim Slater, during the changeover: Roger changes his shirt, while Novak pulls out a new racket. Back on court. 00:25 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 2-3 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer's serve seems to be improving, and he holds at love. Fun fact: the server has won the last 15 points. 00:23 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 2-2 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Novak turns the tables on Roger's sneak attacks to the net -- with two beautiful lobs over his head. Djokovic holds at love, and we are at 2-all in the second. 00:21 GMT - Female chair ump makes history - Eva Asderaki-Moore of Greece is the first female to serve as chair umpire for the US Open men's singles final. Fun fact: it is also the first time at a Grand Slam that a woman has served as chair umpire for both the men's and women's singles final in the same year.

Marija Cicak, from Croatia, chaired Saturday's final between Italians Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci, won by Pennetta. 00:19 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 1-2 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer responds, holding at love. We're on serve in the second set. 00:18 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6-4 1-1 *FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Huge hold of serve for Djokovic. The Swiss world number two squanders his opportunity, failing to convert five break points. 00:10 GMT - 'SABR' attack - Again from my colleague Dave James: Federer has taken some heat, but also won an advantage, with his so-called "SABR" chip-and-charge attack on an opponent's second serve -- Sneak Attack by Roger. He first developed the play against Djokovic in Cincinnati last month. And he unfurls it in this match for the first time, and it's successful.

Federer says it is not against the rules of the game, but others -- including, it seems, Djokovic -- think it's less than kosher. "I haven't considered doing that," Djokovic said ahead of the match. "It's an exciting shot for him. For the player (on the) opposite side of the net, not so much." 00:09 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 6-4 0-1 FEDERER (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer starts the second set right, holding serve -- but it doesn't come easy. The game goes to deuce twice before he converts. His first serve is still not very reliable. He earns roars from the crowd for two inside-out forehand winners during the game. But he'll need to step up his game to turn the tables on Novak. 00:02 GMT - DJOKOVIC 6 *FEDERER 4 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic takes the first set, 6-4. If he suffered any ill-effects from that nasty fall, he has shaken them off.

The 34-year-old Federer will now have to come from behind under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium if he wants to win his 6th US Open title. He will serve to open the second set. FIRST SET TO DJOKOVIC, 6-4 23:57 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 5 FEDERER 4 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer fends off a set point and closes out the game with a service winner. Djokovic will now serve for the first set. 23:51 GMT - DJOKOVIC 5 *FEDERER 3 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic hits a forehand winner into the open court to hold serve. Federer now must hold to stay in the first set. Lots of mishits and miscalculations in the match so far. They may be the world's top two players, but Nole and Roger are showing some nerves here. 23:49 GMT - More celebs - Australian actor Hugh Jackman and supermodel Christie Brinkley are seen in the stands.

23:47 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 4 FEDERER 3 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer is living on the edge -- he gives Djokovic another break chance and Novak does not let it slip, winning the game on a backhand passing shot up the line. Roger has been broken twice already in the set. 23:44 GMT - DJOKOVIC 3 *FEDERER 3 (*Denotes upcoming server) - The short medical break seems to have helped Novak. A much better service game from the Serb, and we are all tied up at 3-all. 23:41 GMT - Novak gets treatment - The trainer is on court to treat Djokovic's injuries. The elbow scrape looks particularly nasty. 23:39 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 2 FEDERER 3 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Djokovic still seems thrown by the fall. Roger takes advantage of his opponent's break in concentration, and wins the game at love. 23:38 GMT - DJOKOVIC 2 *FEDERER 2 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Federer breaks back.

He is helped by a let-cord in the final point of the game. Djokovic is a bit rattled after taking a hard fall during the game, possibly because of a rain-slickened court. He now has bloody scrapes on his elbow and hand. 23:33 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 2 FEDERER 1 (*Denotes upcoming server) - We have the first break of the match. Federer seems to be having trouble finding the rhythm on his first serve, allowing Djokovic to tee off on second-serve returns. A long rally on the final point of the game ends with a Roger backhand sailing long. ESPN analyst John McEnroe predicts the cool evening conditions are hurting Federer more at the moment, making it difficult for Roger to generate pace on his ground strokes. 23:28 GMT - DJOKOVIC 1 *FEDERER 1 (*Denotes upcoming server) - Novak holds at love with some strong serving, as Roger tries to settle in.

23:27 GMT - *DJOKOVIC 0 FEDERER 1 (*Denotes upcoming server) - The players come out fighting, but both are a bit tight after the long rain delay. Federer saves three break points along the way, and eventually holds when Djokovic sends a backhand long. We're under way. US OPEN FINAL BEGINS, FEDERER SERVES FIRST 23:18 GMT - Sunday night lights - German player Tommy Haas on Twitter (@TommyHaas13): "In my opinion it should be a night match anyway. Under the lights in NYC, what else could us tennis fans ask for?" 23:15 GMT - Road to London - Djokovic and Federer have already qualified, along with Murray and Wawrinka, for the year-end ATP Tour Finals in London in November. The top eight players as of November 9 will compete in the event. 23:15 GMT - Coin toss - Federer wins the toss and has chosen to serve first. The players are now warming up. Federer is clad in white kit with pink trim. Djokovic has opted for a royal blue shirt and white shorts.

Thanks for sticking with me, and welcome to those just joining me. It should be an epic final. The buzz is heightened as now, it will take place at night under the bright lights at Arthur Ashe, with temperatures on the cool side. The crowd is roaring. 23:12 GMT - Major rivalry - With this 42nd head-to-head battle, Djokovic and Federer have met more times than any other two people in the Open Era except for... Djokovic and Nadal, who have played 44 times. Another key rivalry in the men's game? Djokovic's coach Boris Becker and Federer's coach Stefan Edberg met 35 times, according to tour statisticians. 23:11 GMT - Players on court - The players have taken the court! Federer: "It's been a bit of a wait. (...) It's nothing new for us," adding he's ready to "leave it all out on the court." Djokovic before the match: "This is the kind of match you work for your entire life. (...) I look forward to this final." 23:02 GMT - Opening ceremony begins! - Events at Arthur Ashe Stadium have begun!

Aloe Blacc is singing "America the Beautiful." Not long before Novak and Roger will be on the court. 22:59 GMT - 007 is here, skies clearing - Sean Connery -- who for many is the ultimate James Bond -- is in Arthur Ashe Stadium. And, wait for it, the rain seems to have stopped. Drying machines have left the court, my colleague Jim Slater tells me. Could the final finally be on the verge of happening? 22:52 GMT - Family men - Roger has four kids with wife Mirka, a former tennis player -- two sets of twins! Daughters Charlene and Myla were born in July 2009. Sons Leo and Lenny followed in May 2014. Nole became a father last year when son Stefan was born in October. His wife Jelena is always by his side. 22:42 GMT - It's raining men - Yep, you knew the stadium music masters would do it eventually. "It's Raining Men" -- that early 1980s dance classic from The Weather Girls -- is blaring from the sound system in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Jim Slater tells me.

22:36 GMT - Drying out - The drying machines are back on the court, as is tournament referee Brian Earley, Jim Slater tells me. Good signs. Start time now not before 7:00 pm (2300 GMT). One wonders what Roger and Novak are doing to pass the time and maintain their game faces... 22:34 GMT - Celeb watch - ESPN shows Robert Redford, enjoying a beer as he waits for play to begin. Also spotted, Queen Latifah, the rapper-actress-talk show host whose HBO movie "Bessie" -- in which she plays the title character, legendary blues singer Bessie Smith -- won several Emmys at the special Creative Arts Emmys ceremony on Saturday, including outstanding television movie. 22:28 GMT - One more record - From Jim Slater: if (When! Let's be optimistic) the final starts tonight, it will be the latest start ever for a US Open men's final. 22:17 GMT - Squeegee brigade - A team of workers clad in white outfits and wielding squeegees are working to dry the court. Jim Slater says a cheer went up from fans as they began working.

So, no play before at least 6:45 pm (2245 GMT), according to ESPN, as the team works. Stay tuned! 22:06 GMT - Optimistic ESPN - ESPN looks more like the Weather Channel right now -- radar images up on the screen, showing thick bands of showers. Broadcasters are expressing optimism that the final will eventually be played tonight. ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert talks on how the change in weather affects the players: "The court will play a bit slower... I think Djoker will like that." But Gilbert, a former pro who reached a career high world number four ranking, says the long delay affects both players in that their eating habits could be thrown off. 21:53 GMT - Stormy skies - Start time again delayed -- it now will not begin before 6:15 pm (2215 GMT). I am sure the delays are frustrating, but please be sure to keep checking in with me. We are ready to bring you the final in full as soon as the skies over New York clear up.

21:48 GMT - Roger a 'solid guy' - My colleague Dave James is in the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium, anxiously awaiting the start of the match like everyone else. He has met two young Serbian women who say they are nevertheless cheering for Federer. One tells him, "Federer is a solid guy and there's just something about Nole." Tennis loyalties transcend borders, it seems. 21:43 GMT - Raindrops keep falling - So, there is just enough light rain to keep the players off the court. Latest best guess, from tournament officials: not before 6:00 pm (2200 GMT). ESPN is filling the time with a repeat of Serena's stunning semi-final loss to Italy's Roberta Vinci in three sets. Another Italian, Flavia Pennetta, defeated her long-time friend Vinci in straight sets on Saturday for the US Open women's singles title, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 -- and promptly announced that she would retire at year's end.

21:37 GMT - Impressive records - Since turning pro in 2003, Djokovic has racked up 54 career singles titles, including his nine Slams -- five Australian Open titles, three Wimbledon crowns and the one US Open title in 2011. So far, French Open glory has eluded him. Federer, who has 87 singles titles to his name since he joined the tour in 1998, is looking for Grand Slam number 18. He claimed at least one Major title in eight consecutive years, from 2003-2010. He has won seven Wimbledon titles, five US Opens, four Australian Opens and one title at the French. 21:28 GMT - Last men standing - Djokovic has now joined Federer and Australian legend Rod Laver in an exclusive club -- they are the only men to have reached all four Grand Slam finals in a single season. Laver twice won the Grand Slam of all four titles in a single calendar year -- the achievement that eluded Serena Williams here. He did it in 1962 and again in 1969. 21:22 GMT - And...

more waiting - Match time update: not before 5:45 pm (2145 GMT). Don't go anywhere -- the final WILL happen and Team AFP is ready to bring it to you! 21:19 GMT - Good musical karma? - Stadium speakers are blaring "Abracadabra" by the Steve Miller Band, Jim Slater tells me. Perhaps they are hoping a magic spell will stop the rain? 21:17 GMT - On this day (part 2) - More fun facts from Jim Slater about this day in US Open history: On this day in 2010, Rafa Nadal beat Djokovic to win the title -- and completed a career Grand Slam in the process, meaning he had won all four Majors. In 2009, Kim Clijsters won the title in only her third tournament back after a two-year break to start a family. And in 1970, Margaret Court beat Rosie Casals, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1, to complete her calendar Grand Slam. 21:10 GMT - On this day...

- On this day in US Open history, from my colleague Jim Slater: In 1964, Maria Bueno took only 25 minutes to win the most lopsided women's final, beating Carole Caldwell, 6-1, 6-0. And then in 66 minutes, Roy Emerson beat Fred Stolle in the men's final. That's a total of 91 minutes. This match now won't start before 530 pm -- meaning at least a 90-minute rain delay. Enough time in 1964 for both finals to be played! Just a bit of fun with figures as we await this great showdown between the world's top two players. 21:05 GMT - Fingers crossed! - The drying machines are back on stadium court. Here's hoping the rain has left for good this time! 21:04 GMT - One for the... aging? - If Federer wins today, he will be the oldest champion in New York in 45 years -- since Australia's Ken Rosewall took the title in 1970 at age 35.

Roger is looking to turn back time to channel the form he had during his five-peat -- he ruled Flushing Meadows from 2004-2008, taking home five consecutive US Open titles. 21:01 GMT - Here comes the rain again - As the Eurythmics song goes, here comes the rain again. Jim Slater says fans are taking cover once again. Hopefully the final shower! Match pushed to 5:15 pm (2115 GMT) at the earliest, Jim says. 20:58 GMT - Becks alert - David Beckham in the house! After attending his wife Victoria's spring-summer 2016 show for New York Fashion Week, the retired English football icon has been spotted in Queens at Arthur Ashe Stadium. 20:52 GMT - Hashtag alert - If you want to join the conversation on Twitter about the match, use the hashtags #USOpen and #FedvNole. 20:49 GMT - The net is up! - Jim Slater reports that the net is up and the drying machines are making their final passes. Hoping to see Novak and Roger on court very soon.

20:43 GMT - Hingis/Mirza for the win - Martina Hingis may have retired from singles competition on the WTA Tour, but she is certainly a major presence on the doubles circuit. Before the men's final, the 34-year-old Hingis added to her Grand Slam haul by winning the women's title in straight sets with India's Sania Mirza over Casey Dellacqua and Yaroslava Shvedova. It was their second consecutive Grand Slam title after winning at Wimbledon. The Swiss veteran had already won the mixed doubles title with Mirza's compatriot Leander Paes -- their third Slam of 2015. 20:36 GMT - Start time: not before 2100 GMT - ESPN says the players will not venture onto the court before 5:00 pm (2100 GMT). Hang in there -- this is the last finals rain delay we will ever see at the US Open. 20:34 GMT - Drying out - From Jim Slater: the drying machines are now being moved onto stadium court! 20:32 GMT - Who wins the Twitterverse?

- Djokovic (@DjokerNole) has 4.63 million followers. His last tweet? A short video of a doubles match he played with some wheelchair tennis stars, posted a day ago. Federer (@rogerfederer) has 3.66 million followers. His last tweet is actually a retweet -- a photo of a mob of fans watching him give an interview to tennis great Mats Wilander for Eurosport over a week ago. 20:28 GMT - Roof -- coming soon - As of next year's US Open, rain-delayed finals will be a thing of the past, as a retractable roof will be operational on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Jim Slater tells me that the new superstructure already in place is providing some relief from the rain for those with upper-deck seats. Most of the spectators in the lower levels have taken shelter, though a few hard-core fans are seated, umbrellas over their heads. Fun fact: The men's final was pushed to Monday every year from 2008-2012 because of weather. 20:25 GMT - The wait continues...

- Rain delay update: Dave James tells me the match will not begin before 4:45 pm (2045 GMT). Stay with me though -- tons of fun facts to share, news from the stadium, et cetera. Don't go away! We will bring you all the action as soon as the match begins. 20:19 GMT - Big Apple clashes - Federer is 3-2 lifetime against Djokovic at the US Open, including a victory in the 2007 championship match. But Djokovic -- Nole to his fans -- won the last two meetings, in the 2010 and 2011 semi-finals. Both of those contests went the distance to five sets. This is Djokovic's sixth trip to the final in Arthur Ashe Stadium, but he only won it once, in 2011. 20:13 GMT - Tight security - From Dave James: The NYPD is out in full force at the National Tennis Center, with officers at entrances, some with sidearms and others carrying rifles. Mounted police and K-9 units are also on the scene.

20:09 GMT - Rain delay - Dave James tells me that the match will not start before 4:30 pm (2030 GMT) because of the slight rain. The anticipation builds! 20:05 GMT - Andy fans? - A bit of color from Dave James in the stadium: among the fans filing in are three all wearing white headbands with 'Andy' inked on them. Sadly for them, Murray -- the 2012 champion -- was knocked out in the fourth round by Kevin Anderson. Upstairs at the Champions Bar, there's a reminder that tennis isn't the only game in town, with giant TV screens showing the New York Jets beating the Cleveland Browns over in East Rutherford on the NFL's opening weekend and the closing stages of a New York Yankees win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Dave says the bar is filling up as the rain falls.

20:01 GMT - Big Four - My colleague Dave James (@DaveJamesAFP) provides this fun fact: since the 2005 French Open, the "Big Four" of Djokovic, Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have accounted for 39 of 43 Grand Slam titles, factoring in Sunday's winner. 19:59 GMT - Celebrity watch - The stars love Flushing Meadows. So far spotted by ESPN's cameras: Robert Redford, Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin and Julianna Margulies, star of television's "The Good Wife." 19:57 GMT - And... drizzle - A few drops are falling in New York. To be seen if there is a rain delay. 19:55 GMT - Big payday - The winner of today's match will earn a cool $3.3 million. The runner-up will take home a not-too-shabby $1.6 million. 19:52 GMT - Easy path to finals - Both men reached the final with decisive wins. Djokovic crushed defending US Open champion Marin Cilic of Croatia in the semi-finals, 6-0, 6-1, 6-2.

Federer easily bested Wawrinka, 6-4, 6-3, 6-1. Federer has not dropped a set en route to the final, making it look easy in earlier rounds against tricky opponents such as wily left-handed Frenchman Richard Gasquet and big-serving American John Isner. Djokovic has had to play a bit more tennis, dropping a set to Roberto Bautista Agut in the fourth round, and another to Feliciano Lopez in the quarterfinals. 19:50 GMT - Eye of the Tiger - My colleague Jim Slater (@gymslater) tells me the crowd is getting excited, as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" blares from Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of the national anthem ceremony. Weather report: dark clouds over New York, but forecasters say the rains should hold off. Bit of a breeze out there, Jim says, but none of the heat and humidity that plagued players at the start of the tournament. 19:48 GMT - What's at stake? - The world number one Djokovic, 28, is looking to put some extra shine on an already sparkling 2015.

He won the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and lost in the French Open final to Federer's countryman Stan Wawrinka. He is going for his 10th Major title. At 34, Federer is looking to seize an 18th Grand Slam title, adding to his place in the history books -- and looking to avenge a loss to Djokovic at Wimbledon earlier this year. This is his first US Open final since 2009. He has not won a Major since 2012. 19:45 GMT - Live from Flushing Meadows - WELCOME TO AFP's LIVE REPORT on the US Open men's final at Flushing Meadows -- a hotly-anticipated showdown between the top two players in the world, Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Roger Federer of Switzerland. The match -- which could see Federer rack up a record sixth US Open title, or see Djokovic win his third Major title of the year -- is due to start at Arthur Ashe Stadium shortly after 4:00 pm in New York (2000 GMT).

This is the 42nd career meeting between the two players, with Federer holding a slight edge at 21-20. This is also the pair's sixth clash of the 2015 season -- all in finals. So far, Djokovic holds a 3-2 edge, but Federer beat him in Cincinnati last month on hard courts. Reblog

Question: Who won the Men's Singles at the 2014 US Open?
Answer: MARIN CILIC