Dominic Thiem of Austria will play Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the US Open final for their first Grand Slam titles after they won their last-four matches in contrasting styles Friday.
Second seed Thiem ousted third-seeded Russian and 2019 runner-up Daniil Medvedev in a closely fought three-setter packed with powerful baseline rallies and impressive serving.
The 27-year-old Thiem won, 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) 7-6 (7/5), in two hours and 56 minutes to reach his fourth Grand Slam final.
Earlier, Zverev came from two sets down to complete a remarkable comeback against 20th-seeded Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta and reach his first tennis major final.
The 23-year-old German won an error-strewn, scrappy encounter, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3, in three hours and 23 minutes.
It marked the first time in Zverev’s career that he came from two sets behind to win.
“I actually looked at the scoreboard when I was down two sets to love,” Zverev said.
“I was like, ‘I can’t believe it. I’m playing in a semifinal, I’m supposed to be the favorite and I have no chance, I’m playing that bad.”
Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka will both be looking to capture a third Grand Slam title in the women’s final Saturday.
It’s a matchup between one of the game’s young stars, going from strength to strength, and a veteran whose career is rejuvenated after several years in the doldrums.