Flavia Pennetta elated with "unbelievable" US Open semi-final win

Flavia Pennetta has revealed that she is elated to have reached the final of the US Open.

The Italian secured her first appearance in the final of a Grand Slam by hammering world number two Simona Halep in straight sets to advance at Flushing Meadows.

She told ESPN: "I'm really happy right now. I was just trying to fight every ball, running and push everything I can.

"I didn't think to get through this match. In the second set I was playing and playing, it was unbelievable."

Pennetta will play fellow Italian Roberta Vinci in the final of the competition on Saturday.