Victoria Azarenka through to US Open final

Victoria Azarenka has reached the final of the US Open for the second year in a row, beating Flavia Pennetta in straight sets.

Both players were able to hold their serves at the start of the first set, but the Australian Open champion managed to break her opponent in the seventh game, helping her secure the opener.

The second seed's superior ranking showed early in the second, as she claimed the Italian's opening two service games.

Pennetta managed to get a break back, but could not hold her serve at 4-2 down, allowing the Belarusian to serve for the match.

Azarenka will face either Serena Williams or Li Na in Sunday's final.