CBS’ final U.S. Open men’s singles championship draws 2.2 million

CBS’ broadcast of the U.S. Open men’s singles championship -- the network’s final presentation of the tennis event after hosting it 46 years -- attracted an average of 2.2 million viewers.

The low-rated Monday match was a lopsided affair with Marin Cilic of Croatia trouncing Kei Nishikori of Japan, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Analysts had been predicting small TV crowds.

That’s because, for the first time since 2005, the men’s singles championship did not feature one of the superstars of the sport: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray.

What’s more, the match was played early Monday evening in New York. For those on the West Coast, the games unfolded in the middle of the afternoon.

Monday’s men’s singles final generated a 1.6 rating, which represented a 42% decline from last year.

The 2013 men’s final -- which also played on a Monday -- was more competitive, with Nadal beating Djokovic in four sets. That telecast hit a 2.8 rating.

Meanwhile, for the second straight year, Serena Williams of the United States proved to be a bigger draw for TV viewers.

Williams won the women’s singles championship on Sunday with a two-set win over Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. Williams earned her 18th Grand Slam title, matching that of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

Williams’ 6-3, 6-3 victory over Wozniacki attracted an average of 4.5 million viewers, according to CBS. That was a 2.9 rating.

Next year, Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN will broadcast the U.S. Open tennis tournament finals.

Twitter: @MegJamesLAT