Pegula fights back to down Muchova in US Open semi-final

NEW YORK : American Jessica Pegula mounted an astonishing fight back after a disastrous opening set to beat Czech Karolina Muchova 1-6 6-4 6-2 and reach her first major final at the U.S. Open on Thursday.

Virtually nothing was going right for the sixth seed early on, but she tamed her nerves to take control and the cheers of the home crowd echoed through Arthur Ashe Stadium as she thrust her hands in the air after breaking her opponent on match point.

Muchova spent 10 months on the sidelines after injuring her wrist at the tournament a year ago and enjoyed an inspired run through New York before losing steam against the home hope.

Pegula will play second seed Aryna Sabalenka in the championship match on Saturday.