US Open 2014: MOTD Day 15 Mon 08/09/2014 Men's FINAL

The final is here. Who would have thought 2 week back that we will have Nishikori and Cilic as the finalists. 

Kei Nishikori (JPN) [29]
vs.
Marin Cilic (CRO) [33]




My pick: Cilic


No one has successfully defended his/her OTF Prediction game crown till now. SB is leading but its close. 

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:
No one has successfully defended his/her OTF Prediction game crown till now. SB is leading but its close. 

I think SB's won it even if he gets his pick wrong today.

Maybe we need to think of some new, riskier ways to spice the game up for AO rather than just have the joker feature, as the number of matches drops significantly in week 2. The race generally goes quite dead after that...
Just something to think about during the off-season - everyone's contribution welcome!
Be brave, creative and, why not, even - funny if you can!

I don't ask for much, do I?

@NITB, at RG we played the game with scores for the last few days that would double the points won if guessed correctly. I also think, that everybody was so shocked about the day of upsets that maybe none cared too much. 

And... the game is more important for the early stages of a slam because it puts matches into the limelight that wouldn't get much attention otherwise. From the QF stages onwards any match gets its due attention.

However my pick for the USO winner:

Kei Nishikori in 5.

Yes, I think we had extra points for the number of sets guessed.
The idea is to make the entire two weeks competitive.

In the past, I think we also had negative points, that was quite a thrill, but I forgot how it all worked.

For those who like stats, how Nishi and Chilli did this USO so far (from ATP website):

Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic face each other for the eighth time, at the 2014 US Open final on Sunday.
Kei Nishikori leads Marin Cilic 5-2 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series, having won the last three meetings. This will be their third battle at the US Open: Nishikori won in five sets in 2010, while Cilic won in four sets in 2012.

IBM data suggest that Cilic is the more powerful and explosive player and Nishikori is the better mover and more consistent player. Cilic played his best match of the tournament in the semi-finals against Roger Federer with almost twice as many winners as unforced errors (43 to 23). Coming into the semi-finals, Cilic had more total unforced errors than winners. Nishikori has used his quickness to take the ball early and take time away from his opponents. If Cilic isn't making errors, it will be difficult for Nishikori to handle all that pace and maintain that type of court positioning.

Nishikori has outplayed huge servers like Raonic and power players like Wawrinka at the tournament, so Japan's star has shown he can deal with guys that play that style. Cilic's play against Federer was reminiscent of Juan Martin Del Potro - just powering his opponent off the court. Both are playing in their first Grand Slam final, so nerves could be a factor. If they both are ready to play and ready for the occasion, it should be a great contest.


NISHIKORI HIGHLIGHTS

Solid serving - 74 per cent first serve points won - 59 per cent second serve points won - saved 39 of 51 break points faced
Strong return of second serve - 55 per cent won - 28 breaks in six matches
Very solid baseline game - 93 forehand winners - 64 backhand winners - 56% baseline points won

CILIC HIGHLIGHTS
Dominating first serve - 81 aces - 83 per cent first serve points won - 41 per cent of his serves have not been returned
Big forehand - 78 forehand winners, but also 112 forehand unforced errors
23 break of serve in six matches


Nishikori                                   Cilic
30                  Aces                    81
25            Double Faults             29
27%       Unreturned Serves       41%
56%         1st Serve %              56%
74%       1st Serve Points           83%
59%.      2nd Serve Points          53%
12               Broken                   10
51         Break Points Faced        28
108         Games Served             97
89%     Service Games Held       90%
124mph    Fastest Serve            132mph
108mph  Average First Serve     120mph
88mph  Average Second Serve   92mph
60%       Returns In Play            70%
24%    1st Return Points Won     31%
55%    2nd Return Points Won    52%
28         Breaks Of Serve            23
67          Break Points                 61
42%.       Pct. Converted            38%
111 Return Games Played           94
25%.    Return Games Won %    24%
93        Forehand Winners           78
77     Forehand Unforced Errors  112
64         Backhand Winners         32
84     Backhand Unforced Errors  76
220            Winners                   239
190         Unforced Errors           223
78 of 105    Net Points Won         78 of 110
74%      Net Points Won Pct.        71%
56%    Baseline Points Won         52%
97           Games Lost                 81
5               Sets Lost                    3
16:26      Time On Court            14:49

I am actually really excited for tonight's match. Whoever wins, we're going to get that reaction of "I have just won a major!". Can't wait. The disappointment of Federer losing on Saturday has completely gone, as this is so refreshing. I've always wanted Cilic to do well, same with Nishi, but to a greater extent, especially after I saw him up close practicing at the Olympics.
Head says Cilic, heart says Nishikori.

Heart wins, my pick: Nishikori.

I'm happy with the "new" names, so long as they give us a good match.
Ideally, a 5 setter with the 5th set tie-break, Nishi wins with a FHDTL winner and we all ride into the sunset

Yes,I think the problem with this line-up is the lack if charisma from Cilic, he is just as flat as a pancake.
Even Raonic has some negative, weird kind of robocop appeal, but Cilic...if only Goran could teach him how to be alive...

noleisthebest wrote:


Nishikori                                   Cilic
30                  Aces                    81

The number of Cilic's aces is striking. It means that Cilic practially won 20 his serving games, i.e. nearly 3 and a half sets  made just by aces.

His back arch on his second serve is huge. His back must be absolutely all right for doing it. But if there is a bit wind or back issue, then he can be in a big  trouble.

noleisthebest wrote:Yes,I think the problem with this line-up is the lack if charisma from Cilic, he is just as flat as a pancake.
Even Raonic has some negative, weird kind of robocop appeal, but Cilic...if only Goran could teach him how to be alive...

I am afraid that even godzilish Murray has more "x factor" in him, then both of our finalists together charisma wise

Yes, I quite enjoy Godzilla's self-berating outbursts.
Over the years, I got used to all players and their quirks, Ferrer's carrying towel in his teeth, Fognini's crazy outbursts of temper, Ernie's ultra-creative racquet smashing, not to mention the king of water bottles...
Kei has a nice, open smile and a great game, so he brings something, too.
I saw Cilic live a couple of times and he is even worse than on TV, like his face is missing something.
He is so placid, he is almost comical when he gets "angry" and pumped!

paulcz wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:
Nishikori                                   Cilic
30                  Aces                    81

The number of Cilic's aces is striking. It means that Cilic practially won 20 his serving games, i.e. nearly 3 and a half sets  made just by aces.
His back arch on his second serve is huge. His back must be absolutely all right for doing it. But if there is a bit wind or back issue, then he can be in a big  trouble.

I think he hasn't faced any very good returners except Fed, would be interesting to see how many aces he scored against him.
If Nishi starts returning well, Cilic could lose the match quite quickly. I just hope they don't choke and ruin it.

noleisthebest wrote:

paulcz wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:
Nishikori                                   Cilic
30                  Aces                    81

The number of Cilic's aces is striking. It means that Cilic practially won 20 his serving games, i.e. nearly 3 and a half sets  made just by aces.
His back arch on his second serve is huge. His back must be absolutely all right for doing it. But if there is a bit wind or back issue, then he can be in a big  trouble.

I think he hasn't faced any very good returners except Fed, would be interesting to see how many aces he scored against him.
If Nishi starts returning well, Cilic could lose the match quite quickly. I just hope they don't choke and ruin it.

When watching Nole vs. Nishi on Eurosport, Nole just wasn't able to run at his maximum and fight fully in rallies. He just thought he can't be outrallied in his match.
Nishi's hitting benefits from his lower center of gravity and when his opponent plays too safe balls, Nishi handles the ball very quickly and precisely from both wings. I think that Cilic will play just for two or three shots, just like Goran did. The question is whether his focus will be on.That is what I am curious about.

The weather looks ok, 23 degree, but quite humid, no stat on the wind, though:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/new-york-ny/10007/current-weather/349727

paulcz wrote:
When watching Nole vs. Nishi on Eurosport, Nole just wasn't able to run at his maximum and fight fully in rallies. He just thought he can't be outrallied in his match.
Nishi's hitting benefits from his lower center of gravity and when his opponent plays too safe balls, Nishi handles the ball very quickly and precisely from both wings. I think that Cilic will play just for two or three shots, just like Goran did. The question is whether his focus will be on.That is what I am curious about.

Nole was pretty bad in that match, his legs were as heavy as lead, and judging by his drained face after the match, the humid conditions and heat got to him.
I don't think he was 100% focused this USO, he definitely looked different than usual.
I thought Fed and him would play the final and Fed to take it...but it didn't happen.

Nishi is the type of player that punishes any lack of focus with his speed and anticipation and Nole knew it.

I saw quite few of Nishi's matches this USO and noticed he has spells when he is in the zone and plays brilliant attacking tennis, but also physical dips, which is why Nole was able to win the second set 6:1.

Against Cilic, it will be a tight and close battle, whoever manages to keep the focus, wins.

noleisthebest wrote:Yes, I quite enjoy Godzilla's self-berating outbursts.
Over the years, I got used to all players and their quirks, Ferrer's carrying towel in his teeth, Fognini's crazy outbursts of temper, Ernie's ultra-creative racquet smashing, not to mention the king of water bottles...
Kei has a nice, open smile and a great game, so he brings something, too.
I saw Cilic live a couple of times and he is even worse than on TV, like his face is missing something.
He is so placid, he is almost comical when he gets "angry" and  pumped!

So, let's watch their court tennis routines closely and we may find something catchy. I will put glasses, even though I don't have any

noleisthebest wrote:

paulcz wrote:
When watching Nole vs. Nishi on Eurosport, Nole just wasn't able to run at his maximum and fight fully in rallies. He just thought he can't be outrallied in his match.
Nishi's hitting benefits from his lower center of gravity and when his opponent plays too safe balls, Nishi handles the ball very quickly and precisely from both wings. I think that Cilic will play just for two or three shots, just like Goran did. The question is whether his focus will be on.That is what I am curious about.

Nole was pretty bad in that match, his legs were as heavy as lead, and judging by his drained face after the match, the humid conditions and heat got to him.
I don't think he was 100% focused this USO, he definitely looked different than usual.
I thought Fed and him would play the final and Fed to take it...but it didn't happen.

Nishi is the type of player that punishes any lack of focus with his speed and anticipation and Nole knew it.

I saw quite few of Nishi's matches this USO and noticed he has spells when he is in the zone and plays brilliant attacking tennis, but also physical dips, which is why Nole was able to win the second set 6:1.

Against Cilic, it will be a tight and close battle, whoever manages to keep the focus, wins.

Agree. Nole did not look well in that semi. Yes, his personal life has a huge effect on him and he wasn't mentally tough as he is  when playing with top dogs like Fed, Murray, Nadal. Nole looked as if he was sleepy and his mind was somewhere else.

I wonder what Chang and Goran are doing/saying to Nishi and Chilli now...
Their H2H is 6:2 for Chang.
They must be happy they beat Boris and Stefan in the semi-finals

noleisthebest wrote:I wonder what Chang and Goran are doing/saying to Nishi and Chilli now...
Their H2H is 6:2 for Chang.
They must be happy they beat Boris and Stefan in the semi-finals

They are surely happy, their rivalry switched into coaching and it is not less rivalish kind  

I think that the tactics are quite simple for both of them. Chillic will try to shorten the game as possible and Nishi must play patiently but his aggressive tennis from both wings. Chillic's team must get info how Nishi mostly  plays when approaching to the net.

I wonder if they are going to do any jumping and racquet swinging at the net...
They are both going to so nervous, esp Nishi.
The crowd will be on his side, too.

noleisthebest wrote:I wonder if they are going to do any jumping and racquet swinging at the net...
They are both going to so nervous, esp Nishi.
The crowd will be on his side, too.

Yes, it will be crucial how much crowds will support Nishi and whether Chillic can keep his nerves. That is very important. When watched the semi with Fed, there were some moments in the third when I thought that the match could go other way, but Chillic kept his focus till the end. Chillic  played on high adrenaline.

Go Nishi, GOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Where is everybody?


Mind you, plenty of empty seats on Ashe, too....more like Winston-Salem

Nishi returning really well on both wings here, Chilli already showing nerves.

noleisthebest wrote:Where is everybody?


Mind you, plenty of empty seats on Ashe, too....more like Winston-Salem

I am not sure whether it is worthy sitting there higher than 25th row. From there up you can hardly see the ball and from 40th row you can't recognize players. So that, no wonder.

I love Nishi's FH!  

noleisthebest wrote:I love Nishi's FH!  

He has really quick swift, but his stance is a kind of more open than in a case of Fed. So not that powerful, but very consistent. 

Chillic surprises me how well he moves.

My sleeping pattern has gone crazy during this USO.
Just woke up, Nishi a set and break down

come on, Nishi!!!

Welcome to big guy v smaller guy in today's tennis.  Nishikori imho is the more talented player, but against this reach, height and serve, he's toast.  Federer would have won this too, so big chance missed.

It's looking bad for Nishikori already. I doubt he can come back from 2 Sets to love.

Not when he can't compete with the serve.  It's already 13 aces to 0.  And that's massively due to the fact that Nishikori isn't as big as Cilic.  Sucks.  Once upon a time height didn't mean this much to tennis.

It didn't mean much because these tall guys moved like trees. Now some of them are pretty good movers too.

It's also the modern racquets.  You didn't used to be able to get this amount of free power on serve, or from the baseline.  Cilic has a HUGE margin for error... it's not a fair contest from the get-go.  But that's how it is.

In table tennis and badminton, I'm willing to bet Cilic would be doomed.

Nishikori down a break in the third now, this could be over quickly.

Well, let's face it, you'd have to be the world's biggest fool to put your money against Cilic now...  all Nish can do is hope for an injury.  Because he is fast heading for winning nish (nothing).

Oh, no, Cilic... you don't celebrate a point like that.

Oh well, not the winner I wanted, but certainly impressive + it puts Fed's loss into perspective. Anyway, good night everyone. zzzz

FedererKing wrote:It's also the modern racquets.  You didn't used to be able to get this amount of free power on serve, or from the baseline.  Cilic has a HUGE margin for error... it's not a fair contest from the get-go.  But that's how it is.

In table tennis and badminton, I'm willing to bet Cilic would be doomed.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about - another 'armchair warrior' full of 'theory' but probably never picks up a racquet. Speaking of which his racquet is no different to the type of racquets all the pros use, and have been using for 10-15 years now, strings also. So it's exactly a 'fair contest' as it's a level playing field. 

Cilic deserved his win because he played scintillating tennis. He was always a talent, the way he takes an earlier ball than most players shows that you numpty, now he proved/fulfilled it. He's also a great mover, great literal adjustment steps and excellent court positioning. Learn about tennis properly, take off your retro Federer spectacles, then come back and comment.

I do play tennis actually. Regularly. And I think you'd be hard pressed to find any professional that thinks being taller (and modern racquets) doesn't help immensely on serve, and for that matter overall.  Also, racquets have changed massively.  I know, because I've played with both the older wooden (that a friend owns), and the modern.

So before you make a comment as deluded as the one you made, and suppose things, how about asking first?

Also, it isn't a "fair" contest, since it isn't a level playing field.  Cilic didn't train to be 6 feet 6, unless you think he did?
Being tall these days in tennis is a massive advantage, and it's one that isn't earned, it's simply given.  Modern tennis is more and more about height + power + stamina, and less about shot making and ability. We can all see it.  If you think Cilic would win a Slam in 80s with those wooden small head racquets, you need help.  His power and his serve would be largely neutralized, and that's the main reason he has won. 

I don't fault him for that, because it's not his fault.  It's the fault of tennis for not standardizing all the equipment 5 decades ago, and for continually messing with the conditions.  Now, you come back when you have something logical to say.  It always makes me laugh when people like you chirp up with apologist nonsense.

I have no idea how you managed to rope Federer into the conversation, but I guess that's your MO.  Federer lost because he played nothing like his best, which is to be expected given he is 33.

Put Cilic against Nishikori in Badminton or Table Tennis, and you'd see how lacking he really is.  But modern tennis isn't about rewarding shot making and ability, it's about rewarding power. And it did.  No prizes for guessing which snoozer won the women's side.

Congratulations to Marin Cilic, he played really great tournament and deservedly won. I saw the first two sets and Cilic domination was striking.
To say three words to point out Cilic's performance then there must be patience, focus and great move. Cilic didn't hurry on the court he believed in himself from the beginning. He was always there when hitting.
Although Nishi plays very fast, Cilic had always better contra hitting, more heavy, deeper and closer to lines. 
The question is, can Cilic repeat such a great performances at GS again?
It is all about  players's heads, if he can keep his composure he can. He has great hitting, fantastic move and now he got more confidence.

It is nearly hardly possible to find somebody who could face such a canonnade and  imagine  somebody with SHBH, who could resist on the court with Cilic. He is just heavy cannoneer.

Congrats Cilic, well done.

I am glad the final was one-sided because I was unable to watch - would not have wanted to miss a thriller.

I believe next year USO is finally back to Sunday finals, and with a more standard slam schedule - 1st round played over two days instead of being spread over three, and SFs played on Friday.