Reigning US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka takes on home hope Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals Thursday, with Naomi Osaka meeting Amanda Anisimova in an intriguing last-four encounter.

Sabalenka beat Pegula in the 2024 final in New York but the undisputed women's number one is yet to add to her Grand Slam collection this year, losing in two finals.

Osaka is playing her best tennis since returning to the tour last year after giving birth to her daughter, while Anisimova is being rewarded for a fearless approach that saw her avenge a humiliating Wimbledon final defeat by Iga Swiatek.

AFP Sport takes a look at the day's two semi-finals (x denotes seeding):

Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x1) v Jessica Pegula (USA x4)

Sabalenka should have the benefit of being well rested after three days off follow

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