Marin Cilic calls US Open title 'life-changing'

New York: US Open champion Marin Cilic said a pep talk in the locker room from coach Goran Ivanisevic helped him stay relaxed in the final.

Cilic said on 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.