US Open Final: A Landmark Occasion

Few things are completely certain, but the exception lies in the world of tennis.

Fans have become accustomed to Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal participating in every grand slam final. Well the waves of change are a flowin’. Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic will face off in Flushing Meadows today.

Significance

This 2014 US Open Final will be a landmark occasion. Since the 2005 French Open, every grand slam final has included at least one of the big 3 (Fed, Djok, Nadal). That’s 9 1/2 years of domination. That’s a big deal. It’s like expecting the New England Patriots to play in every Super Bowl. Except it’s even more of a dead lock bet.

The last time Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic did not participate in a Grand Slam final. 2005 Australian Open. Champion was Marat Safin (left), runner-up was Lleyton Hewitt (right)

Match-up: Nishikori vs Cilic

This is a culmination of two weeks where these two players dominated the rest of the field, including the aforementioned legends.

Kei Nishikori, with a match point in the 4th set against Djokovic, prompted analyst Brad Gilbert to tweet, “Kei is beating Novak on the backhand to backhand exchanges.” Something Djokovic usually has his way with. But not on Saturday.

Later on, Marin Cilic put on a serving exhibition against one of the greatest servers of all-time, Roger Federer. Something that Federer usually has his way with. But not on Saturday.

Kei and Marin have grasped how to beat great players at their own game, and this is why they are playing for a championship.

Celebrate the Occasion

For all of the hard line Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic fans who are disturbed by this disruption to the status quo… don’t be upset. This is a time to reflect on the domination of the big 3, but more importantly to look forward to the stars of tomorrow. And yes, there will be a tomorrow.

Tags : 2005, 2014, Australian Open, Flushing Meadows, French Open, grand slam, Kei Nishikori, Lleyton Hewitt, Marat Safin, Marin Cilic, Monday, New York, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Saturday, sports, Sports Takes, tennis, US Open