The US Open final that nobody predicted and not everyone wanted was seized on Monday night with unblinking composure by Croatian giant Marin Cilic. The No 14 seed completed his third consecutive straight sets win to defeat a somewhat overwhelmed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 in less than two hours to deny Japan its equally unlikely Grand Slam winner. An outstanding performance from Cilic disappointed the millions who rose with the dawn there to watch their new national hero try and became the first Asian-born man to lift one of the sport's biggest prizes. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Marin Cilic fans celebrating in Zagreb's Ban Jelacic square
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Marin Cilic beat Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 to win the US Open men's singles
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Cilic claimed his maiden Grand Slam title with the straight sets victory
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Cilic smashed 17 aces to Nishikori's two in a serving masterclass
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The Croatian hit 38 winners compared to his opponents 19
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Both players have emerged under the guidance of former champions
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Cilic is coached by Goran Ivanisevic and Nishikori by Michael Chang
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Japan's Nishikori defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets to reach the final
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Cilic defeated Roger Federer in straight sets in his semi-final win
In his corner: @placeholder has worked wonders with Nishikori since taking over as coach