This story is free to read.

Marin Cilic calls US Open title ‘life-changing’

Marin Cilic, of Croatia, poses with the U.S. Open tennis men's singles trophy at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014. Cilic defeated Kei Nishikori, of Japan, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 on Monday. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) Marin Cilic, of Croatia, poses with the U.S. Open tennis men's singles trophy at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014. Cilic defeated Kei Nishikori, of Japan, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 on Monday. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

By Associated Press September 9, 2014 1 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic says a pep talk in the locker room from coach Goran Ivanisevic helped him stay relaxed in the final.

Cilic says Tuesday that before he went on court for his 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Kei Nishikori, Ivanisevic said to be sure to enjoy the title match – even if he was going to be incredibly nervous.

Speaking to a small group of reporters between TV appearances Tuesday, Cilic says his championship is “life-changing, completely” and he feels “like I was on a different planet.”

Cilic is the first Croatian man to win a major title since Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001.

Cilic’s newfound celebrity status included reading a Top 10 list for David Letterman and chatting with Charlie Rose.