Kim Clijsters into US Open final after nervy victory

Clijsters recovered from losing the opening set to win 4-6 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 in two hours and 23 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium to extend her winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 20 matches.

Looking towards Zvonareva, Clijsters said: "She's very tough opponent. I've lost my last two matches against her, so it's gonna be a tough battle.

Willlams served superbly in the opening set, dropping just five points and breaking Clijsters in the seventh game. But the American twice lost serve to fall 3-0 and 5-2 behind in the second, only for Clijsters to fail to serve out for the set at 5-3. Williams' serve then went to pieces in the resulting tie-break, the 30-year-old serving two double faults to fall 3-0 behind and failing to win a single point on her serve. Clijsters carried the momentum into the decider and it was no surprise when she broke Williams again in the third game. Clijsters produced back-to-back double faults and a woeful drive-volley to gift Williams the break back, only to break in the next game. That gave the 27-year-old the chance to serve for the match and she duly set up a showdown with Zvonareva who beat top seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3