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Karolina Muchova is the fourth unseeded women’s singles semi-finalist at a Grand Slam event in 2024 after Dayana Yastremska (Australian Open), Mirra Andreeva (Roland Garros) and Donna Vekic (Wimbledon).

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Karolina Muchova is into the US Open semi-finals for the second consecutive year.

However, it has not been smooth sailing in the intervening period.

The unseeded Czech injured her wrist at last year's tournament and required surgery before returning recently in June.

Ahead of the US Open, she had played just 10 matches on her comeback from injury.

She has also not dropped a set in her run to the semi-finals with two particularly impressive victories over two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka and 2024 Roland Garros and Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini, before beating 22nd seed Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1 6-4 to reach the last four.

Muchova is the second Czech player to reach the semi-final of the US Open women’s singles winning all her five matches in straight sets after Jana Novotna during the Open Era.

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It has been a long time coming but at the seventh attempt Jessica Pegula has finally reached her first Grand Slam semi-final.

She did it in style, defeating top seed Iga Swiatek 6-2 6-4 to make it to the last four.

Pegula has dominated in all five of her matches so far in this tournament with the sixth seed winning each one in straight sets.

The American will of course have the home crowd on her side as she looks to progress to a maiden Grand Slam final on Arthur Ashe Stadium this evening.

One semi-final down, one more to go.

Will it be Jessica Pegula or Karolina Muchova facing Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final on Saturday?

It won't be long until we find out.

Aryna Sabalenka speaking after reaching her second consecutive US Open final by beating American Emma Navarro in straight sets: "Well guys, now you are cheering for me, it's a bit too late! It really means a lot and even though you guys were supporting her still I had the goose bumps for you cheering. It was an incredible atmosphere, she is such a great player, really tough opponent and I'm really happy to get through these difficult semi-finals."

On making 21 first serves: "That's a great stat and I'm going to remember that and keep focusing on that and stay positive."

On whether the crowd are getting free drinks tonight: "It's a margarita for everyone or double tequila, you're welcome!"

On playing in the US Open final again: "I don't really care because today was a good test of the crowd cheering for my opponent and even if it is gong to be [Jessica] Pegula, I don't care. I'm ready to face whoever. Lesson from the last year learnt and I really hope I'm going to do a little bit better than last year."

On how much she thought of last year towards the end of the match: "I was like 'ok Aryna, you have to stay focused, stay on your task, focus on yourself' and I was thinking a lot and I thought 'no guys, not this time!'"

It's also worth pointing out just how consistent Aryna Sabalenka has been across all surfaces.

Tonight's victory means she has reached the final four times in her last seven appearances at a Grand Slam event.

Two of those final appearances - both in Australia - have ended in glory.

Aryna Sabalenka has been knocking on the door at the US Open for a few years.

She reached the semi-finals in 2021 and 2022 and was beaten in the final last year.

The 26-year-old looks unstoppable at the moment and might finally realise her dream this year on her seventh appearance at the Flushing Meadows Grand Slam.

Sabalenka was denied by American Coco Gauff in 2023.

We will soon learn who she faces in this year's final.

American Jessica Pegula and Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic are up in the second semi-final shortly.

Jeff Tarango
Former American tennis player on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

Aryna Sabalenka is exhausted after that.

That was a mental and physical battle for her.

Sabalenka rose up.

Aryna Sabalenka wins a sixth straight point.

Emma Navarro is serving to stay in this match.

Jeff Tarango
Former American tennis player on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

Aryna Sabalenka's power is coming through.

It's almost like the crowd has reminded her to care and not go into one of those spirals that she can do mentally.

Aryna Sabalenka is chatting away under her breath as she gets back level before she wraps up a fine rally - the longest yet at 18 shots - with a really cool backhand slice.

Navarro is unable to deal with the serve that follows, returning long, and Sabalenka has daylight.

A double fault from Aryna Sabalenka sees her trailing 2-0 but Emma Navarro's slice attempt is all wrong and Sabalenka volleys an emphatic winner to reduce the deficit.

Jeff Tarango
Former American tennis player on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

We are in the popcorn stages of this match.

A 101mph ace earns Aryna Sabalenka advantage and a long Emma Navarro forehand means we are going to a tie-break.

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Aryna Sabalenka rattles off three points in a row as she desperately tries to wrestle back control.

A double fault gives Emma Navarro a route back in and she grasps that opportunity with both hands to eventually to get to deuce.

This is just so hard to predict now.

Emma Navarro races into a 40-0 lead.

Where has this come from?

Aryna Sabalenka takes her frustration out on the ball to hit back but it's only a brief response as Navarro holds.

Navarro leads in a set for the first time in this match!

Jeff Tarango
Former American tennis player on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

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Aryna Sabalenka is looking in a spot of bother.

Her coaching staff doesn't know what to say or do.

Emma Navarro is unable to make the first one count but she gets it at the second attempt with Aryna Sabalenka returning wide.

Arthur Ashe has found its voice and this match is back on!