If you were going to put money on the identities of the two US Open Men's finalists for 2014, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic would not have come up as a likely pairing.
Yet, sport has a habit of throwing up surprises and with the Big Four haven fallen by the wayside at this year's tournament, a new Grand Slam winner will be crowned tonight.
Stanislas Wawrinka's triumph in Australia in the year's first Grand Slam seemed to suggest that the era of predominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic was drawing to a close.
Nishikori and Cilic's advance to a first final since 2005 that does not feature that Big Four only reinforces that notion and tonight on Off The Ball, ESPN tennis analyst Luke Jensen believes that a new wave is coming and that it is "time for the young bucks to take over".
Jensen explained how Marin Cilic completely out-performed Roger Federer, with help from coach and former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic boosting his game.
"Cilic has been to the semis before in the Australian Open two years ago. He's lost his way, now he's back on track. Nishikori is a different bag altogether. This kid has been groomed to be great," said Jensen, who said the Japanese World No 8 has a similar style to the "Djokovic model".
He also cited Nishikori's coach, Michael Chang - former Grand Slam winner - with having given Nishikori the "determination and toughness" needed to make an impact.
Jensen believes the windy conditions will affect the "aggressor" more in tonight's final which means Cilic and in turn he is tipping Nishikori to win. However his doubt about Nishikori is "how much gas he has left in the tank" after grueling matches in the last few rounds.
Jensen also gave his take on Serena Williams 18th Major win after victory over her close friend Caroline Wozniacki.
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