Naomi Osaka through to US Open final with win over Madison Keys

Naomi Osaka has become the first Japanese woman to reach a Grand Slam final after beating American Madison Keys to set up a meeting with Serena Williams at the US Open.

Osaka, 20, had never beaten Keys in their previous three meetings, but won 6-2 6-4 in New York.

The 19th seed saw off 13 break points and clinically took those which came her way.

She meets 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams at 21:00 BST on Saturday.

Williams eased past Latvia’s 18th seed Anastasija Sevastova in straight sets earlier on Thursday.

Osaka feeling at home in New York

Osaka’s reputation as one of the most talented younger players on the women’s tour has grown on the back of a superb year which saw her win a first WTA title in Indian Wells and then earn a notable win over 36-year-old Williams in Miami a week later.

Now she has another chance to beat Williams after reaching her first Grand Slam final in New York – a city which has personal significance for the world number 20.

After being born in Japan, Osaka moved to New York aged three and spent her formative years there before her family relocated to Florida.

The dual-citizen says going to Japan feels like a “super-awesome vacation” rather than home, but will have the hopes of a nation behind her when she faces her childhood idol Williams.

And it will be a double celebration in the Asian country this weekend if Kei Nishikori beats 13-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the men’s semi-finals on Friday.