Aryna Sabalenka to face Amanda Anisimova in US Open final on Saturday
Anisimova beats Osaka 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 to reach second consecutive Grand Slam final
Defending champion and world number one Sabalenka fights back to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-3 6-4 in repeat of last year's final
Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 6-4 Pegula
A lot of chat around whether Sabalenka would allow emotions to get the better of her again in a big match.
There was frustration and there was elation from the top seed in that one but there was also composure and control.
Impressive stuff to get it over the line against an equally impressive Pegula.
One finalist confirmed, one more to go...
Image source, Getty ImagesSabalenka 4-6 6-3 6-4 Pegula
Aryna Sabalenka speaking after her 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over Jessica Pegula: "It was a really tough match. She played incredible tennis as always, I had to work really hard to get this win. Of course I am super happy, she is such a great player and fighter. I'm super happy to be in the final again, and hopefully I can go all the way again. Thank you for bringing the best atmosphere."
On facing a number of break points in the final set: "I was just praying inside and hoping for the best."
On having the opportunity to defend her Grand Slam: "It means a lot. I will go out there on Saturday and I will fight for every point like it's the last point of my life."
Image source, Getty ImagesSabalenka 4-6 6-3 6-4 Pegula
And now we see the smile from Sabalenka as she steps up to the microphone to talk to the crowd.
A third Grand Slam final this year for the world number one. But her last opportunity to actually win one.
Can she get it over the line this time?
Two-time champion Naomi Osaka or Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova await.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 6-4 Pegula
That reaching the US Open final feeling...
Image source, Getty Images
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport senior tennis reporter at Flushing Meadows
Let it all out!
Sabalenka arches her back, tenses her arms and roars her pent-up emotion to the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Then Mrs Hyde turns into Dr Jekyll at the net.
A sweet smile greets Pegula at the net as Sabalenka congratulates her opponent for tonight's performance and her run over the past fortnight.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 6-4 Pegula
What a roar from Sabalenka! She's into the US Open final!
It's the cross-court forehand that does it for her and the relief is palpable as she lets out her frustration.
Fair play to Pegula - what a brilliant, tense match.
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-4 Pegula
OK, third time lucky?
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-4 Pegula
Wiped out again! This time Sabalenka goes for the aggressive approach, moving into the net early in the point but again she nudges her return into the net.
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport senior tennis reporter at Flushing Meadows
When you thought Sabalenka had taken the sting out with that ace, she does that with the overhead!
The ball gets a stare like it's just cheated on her.
If looks could kill.
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-4 Pegula
An almighty roar as Sabalenka brings up another match point.
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-4 Pegula
Oh my word.
Pegula keeps the ball in court with a high looping shot and Sabalenka waits for it to bounce to take it on but shoves it into the net! Wow.
Deuce.
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-4 Pegula
Sabalenka hits an ace and raises her arms in the air to generate some noise from the crowd, who have largely been against her all match.
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-4 Pegula
Bit stressful for 2am this.
Pegula gets fortunate that Sabalenka's shot clips the net and falls favourably for her to hit on the volley for 15-15 then the top seed tkaes the next point before firing wide for 30-30.
This couldn't be tighter.
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport senior tennis reporter at Flushing Meadows
Blimey, this is tense. Goodness knows how much drama there might be in this next Sabalenka service game.
You know it's been tight? Well, each player has won 84 points. It's been that close.
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-4 Pegula
Here we go then. Serving for the match and a place in the final.
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-4 Pegula
Pegula does what she needs to do and holds to love to force Sabalenka to serve out the match.
The top seed is just four points from the final. But this is not going to be easy at all.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-3 Pegula*
Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds
Once again Sabalenka has got out of a difficult service game. She has kept her composure and kept her nerve.
Image source, Getty ImagesSabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-3 Pegula*
Sabalenka has now had to save break points in back-to-back service games.
But she's one game away from the final while Pegula is serving to stay in this semi-final.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 5-3 Pegula*
Brilliant return from Sabalenka and there's not much Pegula could do with that. She knows it as she drops her head.
The American fires into the net and Sabalenka takes the hold.
That is HUGE.
*Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 4-3 Pegula
Sabalenka turns to her box in desperation then closes her eyes, regroups, takes a breath and produces a powerful return to save break point.
This time it's Pegula who airs her frustration.
The top seed again keeps her cool to move to game point but misses the drop shot. Deuce.
Tension people, tension.
