So, it's the final we all predicted - 10th seed Kei Nishikori versus 14th seed Marin Cilic. The pair have met on seven previous occasions, with Nishikori winning five of those matches, which works out as a 71% success rate. The pair have twice met at the US Open, in 2010 and 2012, with both enjoying a victory each.

And while you chew on a mouthful of stats, I shall wrap up this live text. There will be more live text commentary on Sunday for the women's final. Two friends forced to become foes as Serena Williams takes on Caroline Wozniacki. Bye for now.

Stephanie Siu:, external "It's a testament to the (now former) dominance of Federer that players say beating him is the "best ever performance in my career."

Mike Willis:, external "Two new slam champions in the same year. Seems the days of the 'big 4' domination may be over!"

Stats of the match: Cilic accumulated 13 aces, while Federer had 12. But the Croat won a whopping 87% of points on his first serve and struck an incredible 43 winners, with Federer at 71% first serve points won and just the 28 winners.

Jeff Tarango
Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Has Roger got a Grand Slam win left in him? I think he will win next year's Wimbledon. I think he thought it was on his racquet. If you ask the locker room will he win it once in the next three years I think they would all say yes."

Jeff Tarango
Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Is this the beginning of the end of the big four? I don't think so. I think this will refuel them to come back with vengeance. Champions like that tend to come back with a little venom."

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent at Flushing Meadows

"And so for the first time since the Safin and Hewitt show in Australia '05, we have a Grand Slam final without either Federer, Nadal or Djokovic. We have to celebrate the fact we have a final without the big four for the first time since 2005. But I think they will be back next year."

Jeff Tarango
Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"In terms of the final, Nishikori is quicker, he has a better backhand cross-court even though it is Cilic's best shot. I don't think Nishikori can win another five-setter.

"If Cilic gets one of the first two sets I think he can wear down Nishikori. But no matter what stage of the match Nishikori will have a game plan because he has Michael Chang in his camp."

Marin Cilic after reaching his first Grand Slam final: "It's an amazing day for me. I feel amazing. I think it was the best performance ever in my career. I'm extremely happy to be in my first Grand Slam final."

Image source, EPA

So, there we go. Kei Nishikori becomes the first male player from Japan to reach a Grand Slam final in the Open Era and Marin Cilic is the first Croat to reach a Slam final since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001. Is the big-four dominance coming to an end, asks Greg Rusedski. That's too profound a question for me to answer.

Jeff Tarango
Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I think Roger said it at the net to Cilic: Wow, you really played great. He played lights out tennis from the beginning until the end. He just played his dream match. Roger didn't play that badly, he just got beat, overpowered."

David Law
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"It was almost as if Goran Ivanisevic sent his own psyche into the body of Marin Cilic for that final game. He served impossibly well."

Image source, AP

The stars have aligned strangely today, but it has made for a fabulous semi-final day. Federer quickly departs, head bowed, shoulders slumped. Two first-time finalists in the US Open final, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic, which means there will be an unfamiliar winner on Monday night.

Image source, Reuters

Federer skips towards the baseline and bounces before crouching down to face more Cilic missiles. Cilic in unfamiliar territory, he has never been to a Grand Slam final, never before has he beaten Roger Federer. But nerves? What nerves? Three aces - boom - boom - boom - jaws are in laps, Goran Ivanisevic puffs the cheeks. Three match points. There's no way back from here, surely? Nope. Cilic - backhand down the line - and the five-time champion is outta here.

Image source, Getty Images

What do you do when all around you are doubting? Serve like a demon, securing a hold to love with a rasping ace. Then wipe your face with a crisp white towel and say "over to you, Marin. Have you got the nerve to knock me out?"

Jeff Tarango
Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Cilic has been waiting for his chance, his opportunity to break through in a major, but he has tended to combust in his brain in the last 16, the quarter-finals. I have always said spend the money, get the top-notch coach that can convince you that you can do it.

"Goran Ivanisevic is not cheap. Trust me. But he is top class and it has definitely been worth the money getting him on board. Cilic is over-powering Federer in all aspects."

Image source, AP

Cilic has bounced out of his phone box, whipped off his glasses and donned a red cape. Supernaturally good serving from the 16th seed, giving Federer no hope and no options. A hold to 15 and this match could soon be done and dusted. Cilic a game away from his first Grand Slam final.

The Federer fans on Ashe, and there are many, haven't lost faith. The Swiss with a peachy forehand onto the line for a 30-15 lead, but Cilic responds by stepping in and crunching a forehand winner down the line. 30-30. Federer screwing a forehand wide after a tame second serve. Break point Cilic. The Croat's return goes long. Stefan Edberg shuffling uneasily in his seat.

Wizardry from Cilic - a super return - and he's making the 17-time Grand Slam champion look like a muggle. Second break point. The Croat does not need a third invitation. Wide from Federer and this could be the end of the road for the second seed.

Adam Brand:, external "This game is now top class, loving this."

David Dawber:, external "Federer needs to exploit his opponent's cumbersome movement. Too many errors!"

Abu Ali:, external "With no Nadal or Djokovic in the way, Federer will not get a better chance."

Image source, AFP

A muscly forehand winner from Federer, sparks flying as the ball flies by. At 15-30 the second seed has a sniff, but Cilic simply launches two unreturnables to eke a 40-30 advantage. Federer being forced to gamble, but swings too loose and a netted forehand allows Cilic to level.

Federer accumulates his 11th ace of the match and nips ahead of his opponent with a comfortable hold, but having battled back from a break down, there's a sense that momentum is with the underdog.

Image source, Reuters