Angelique Kerber beats former US Open finalist Roberta Vinci to reach semis

Angelique Kerber has beaten 2015 US Open finalist Roberta Vinci in straight sets to reach the semi-finals of the Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in New York.

The 28-year-old, who is trying to dislodge dominant Serena Williams from the world number one ranking, sealed a 7-5 6-0 victory in one hour and 19 minutes.

It was a wobbly start for Kerber as she lost serve in a battling opening service game, but she broke back instantly to regain some control.

The momentum swung back and forth during the opening set, which lasted 55 minutes, as both players lost serve a further two times, but it was Kerber who clinched the crucial break.

The first set took a lot out of Vinci, but it had the opposite effect on Kerber as she stormed through the second set 6-0 in just 24 minutes.

The German will face the winner of the quarter-final between Caroline Wozniacki and Anastasija Sevastova.