The year 2014 marked a rare break from the dominance of tennis giants Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. At the US Open that year, Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori shocked the tennis world by defeating Federer and Djokovic in the semifinals to reach the final—a match that remains one of the most unexpected Grand Slam conclusions in recent memory.
Here's ads banner inside a post
For a decade, the men’s tennis scene was largely dictated by five players—Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Andy Murray, and Stan Wawrinka. From 2004 to 2022, they collectively captured the majority of Grand Slam titles, making the sport somewhat predictable. But on September 6, 2014, two players broke through the mold and altered the trajectory of their careers forever.
Shocking the Tennis World
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, the top two seeds at the US Open that year, were expected to meet in the final. Both players had been in excellent form leading up to the tournament. Federer was chasing his 18th Grand Slam title, while Djokovic aimed to add another major victory to his 2014 Wimbledon triumph.
Enter Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic—two players determined to defy expectations.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Nishikori’s Road to the Final
Nishikori’s path to the final was nothing short of remarkable. Just weeks before the tournament, the Japanese star underwent minor surgery to remove a cyst from his foot, raising doubts about his participation. However, he persevered, overcoming Stan Wawrinka in a grueling five-set quarterfinal before facing Djokovic in the semifinals.
In a stunning display of resilience and precision, Nishikori defeated Djokovic in four sets (6-4, 1-6, 7-6, 6-3), becoming the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final. His victory was particularly impressive, given Djokovic’s near-flawless form heading into the match.
After the match, Nishikori humbly reflected on his journey: “I didn’t even know if I would make it to New York. To be in the final is beyond my wildest dreams.”
Here's ads banner inside a post
Cilic’s Semifinal Masterclass
Meanwhile, Marin Cilic was making headlines of his own. In the other semifinal, he faced Roger Federer, fresh off a dominant win against Gaël Monfils. Cilic, however, delivered what many consider the performance of his career. The Croatian powered through Federer in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-4), stunning the five-time US Open champion and setting up an unexpected final against Nishikori.
After his victory, Cilic remarked: “It’s unbelievable. To beat Roger Federer on this stage is something I’ll never forget.”
The Final: A Grand Slam Breakthrough
The final on September 8, 2014, was historic for many reasons. Both players were vying for their first Grand Slam title, ensuring a fresh champion after years of dominance by tennis’ “Big Three.”
Cilic entered the final in better physical condition, having spent less time on court than Nishikori. In contrast, Nishikori had endured over 16 hours of play in the lead-up to the final, leaving him visibly fatigued. Cilic capitalized on this advantage, playing aggressively and serving flawlessly. He won the final in straight sets (6-3, 6-3, 6-3), capturing his first—and to date, only—Grand Slam title.
What Happened Next?
The 2014 US Open final remains the pinnacle of both players’ careers, but their journeys afterward took divergent paths.
Marin Cilic: A Career of Peaks and Valleys
Cilic’s victory at the US Open propelled him into the tennis elite. He reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3 in 2018, making it to the finals of Wimbledon in 2017 and the Australian Open in 2018. Despite losing to Federer in both finals, Cilic solidified his status as one of the game’s top players.
However, injuries and inconsistent form eventually saw him slide down the rankings. In 2024, Cilic mounted a stunning comeback, winning the Hangzhou Open as the World No. 777, becoming the lowest-ranked player to win an ATP title under the current ranking system. He ended the year at World No. 184, hoping to climb back into the top 100 in 2025.
Kei Nishikori: The Pride of Japan
Nishikori’s 2014 US Open run cemented his status as a trailblazer for Asian tennis. He remained a consistent presence in the top 10 for years, reaching three Masters 1000 finals and winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed Nishikori’s career. A hip surgery in 2022 sidelined him for over a year. He returned in 2023 on the Challenger Tour, capturing a title in Puerto Rico. In 2024, he added another Challenger title in Helsinki, finishing the year just outside the top 100. Like Cilic, Nishikori is eyeing a resurgence in 2025.
A Moment in Tennis History
The 2014 US Open final stands as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. For one brief moment, Cilic and Nishikori broke through the dominance of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal to etch their names in tennis history. Though their careers have had ups and downs since, their paths will forever be intertwined because of that remarkable September in New York.
