Sabalenka, Anisimova to clash in US Open women's final

WASHINGTON:  Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Amanda Anisimova of the United States both fought back from a set down on Thursday to secure their places in the US Open women's singles final.

Defending champion and top seed Sabalenka rallied past home favorite Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach her third consecutive US Open final and the seventh Grand Slam final of her career. She will aim to become the first woman to defend the title in New York since Serena Williams won three in a row from 2012 to 2014.

"It was a really tough match. She played incredible tennis, as always," said Sabalenka, who struck 43 winners, including eight aces. "I had to work really hard to get this win. I'm super happy to get the win against Jess because she's such a great player, great fighter. They are always tough matches. I'm super happy to be in the final again."

In the second semifinal, eighth seed Anisimova outlasted four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka of Japan 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 in a thrilling two-hour, 56-minute contest. The 24-year-old reached back-to-back major finals after Wimbledon and her first at Flushing Meadows.

"Naomi is playing amazing tennis, and she is back where she belongs. And I told her I'm so proud of her after having a baby and playing at this level. It's insane," said Anisimova. "I tried to dig deep, and it was a huge fight out there today. We were both playing some amazing tennis."