Home favourite Jessica Pegula staged a stunning comeback to set up an enticing US Open final against world number two Aryna Sabalenka.
American Pegula came back from a set, break and break point down to see off Karolina Muchova 1-6 6-4 6-2 and reach a first major singles final.
She will now face Sabalenka, who powered into the final for the second year in a row with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) victory over American Emma Navarro 6-3 7-2.
The Belarusian is the first women’s player since the great Serena Williams in 2019 to reach back-to-back singles finals at Flushing Meadows.
Sabalenka will be greeted by a wall of noisy support for New York-born Pegula on Saturday – but she already has experience in that area, having jokingly admonished the crowd for cheering for Navarro.
“Well now you’re cheering for me, it’s a bit too late,” Sabalenka said as she began her post-match interview.
“It really means a lot and even though you guys were supporting her still I had goosebumps for you cheering.”
Having previously promised to buy the crowd drinks if they cheered for her, Sabalenka joked: “Margaritas for everyone!”
Pegula had previously lost her past six major quarter-finals before beating world number one Iga Swiatek on Thursday, and she followed that up with a battling victory over Muchova.
“I came out flat but she was playing unbelievable, she made me look like a beginner,” Pegula said.
“I was about to burst into tears because it was embarrassing, she was destroying me.
“I don’t know how I turned that around, honestly.”
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Poland’s Swiatek is the player at the top of the world rankings, but arguably Sabalenka is the best hard-court player in the world.
