And that brings the 2014 Grand Slams to a close. After an up and down year, Serena Williams once more rules the women, but the men have a new sheriff in town.

Wawrinka in Australia, Gulbis in Paris, Kyrgios, Dimitrov and Raonic at Wimbledon.

The times really are a-changin. In New York, Marin Cilic's time is now.

Goodnight.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

On Twitter:, external Eight different winners of the 2014 Grand Slam singles titles, first time since 1998. Fact.

Arthur Ashe Stadium is emptying, fans wandering out into the New York night. That final took only one hour and 53 minutes. It's not even 7.30 in the evening in NYC. Those expecting it to go long will have to find themselves something else to do.

At 16 in the world, Cilic is the lowest-ranked US Open winner since world number 17 Pete Sampras triumphed in 2002. Overall, he is the lowest-ranked Grand Slam champion since Gaston Gaudio (exactly) won the French Open from 44th.

Cilic has already let go of the trophy and has his bag on his back, signing autographs for fans on the front row. His success tonight completes a 10-year stretch that has seen only eight different Grand Slam champions. He has also lifted himself to fifth on the Race to London. Andy Murray is down in 11th.

Arthur Hunter:, external Isn't it slightly random that all 5 sets of the singles finals at the US Open have finished 6-3?

Pat Cash
1987 Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Reuters

"I thought this would go down to the wire. Cilic had more power but I wouldn't say he was red hot. Nishikori will be very disappointed with his performance. He has a game to trouble Cilic but did not challenge today."

Image source, Reuters

There it is. Marin Cilic gets his hands on the US Open trophy for the first time. He kisses the silver and holds it aloft. Chants in the crowd and music over the speakers as he poses in front of photographers. Dream-like moments.

2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic: "I don't know how I did it. It was hard work over the last few years. My team especially Goran has brought something to me. The most important thing he brought was to enjoy my tennis and have fun.

"It has been the best tournament of my life.

"You never know when the nerves will kick in. We were both nervous in the first set. I was lucky to get the break points. Everything I was dreaming for came today.

"This is a big sign if you work hard it will pay off.

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent at Flushing Meadows

Image source, Reuters

"Goran Ivanisevic is looking very emotional - trying to fight back the tears."

Cilic to the microphone. He looks like he could play three more sets. Nearly time for that silver trophy...

Kei Nishikori: "He played really well today, I couldn't play my tennis. I want to congratulate Marin. It's a tough loss, but I'm really happy. I want to thank my team. I'm sorry I couldn't get the trophy today.

"It was a fun two weeks here. I want to to thank everyone who makes this wonderful tournament happen."

Trophy ceremony coming up, the players about to speak.

Pat Cash
1987 Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Reuters

"These two players are the nicest of guys. Very polite and humble. I'm very pleased for the both of them."

Fiona: Fantastic! I have been thrilled to watch Cilic several times on outside courts at Wimbledon and have always loved the way he plays. I am so happy for him to win a grand slam, he really deserves it.

The stars and stripes are on court for the presentation, but Cilic has to wait a moment or two before he can get his hands on the trophy and the cheque for $3m. The Croat is also trying to phone someone. "I've won!"

Image source, Reuters

One Republic's Counting Stars plays in New York. Count them, then add one more - Marin Cilic. His smile is as wide as the Hudson River, while Kei Nishikori is on his seat, removing his ankle support. For every first-time winner, there is a first-time final loser.

Pat Cash
1987 Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"Who would have picked Cilic at the beginning of the tournament? But what a performance. The last three matches have been in straight sets: Berdych, Federer and the final. It's an unbelievable performance. It's been done with ice in his veins."

Image source, EPA

The new name on the US Open trophy will be that of Marin Cilic. A backhand winner leaves Kei Nishikori chasing shadows. Cilic, a maiden Grand Slam winner, is on the floor, then climbing to his box for a hug with Goran Ivanisevic. A year ago, Cilic was not allowed to play. Tonight, he is a Grand Slam champion.

Double fault! A first sign of nerves. Two match points...