The fourth seed triumphed in New York two years ago, following a controversial victory over Serena Williams. At this year's event, Osaka had to overcome American Jennifer Brady in a hard-hitting three set encounter on Thursday night.

“Sometimes I think I have no choice but to play as hard as I can, because my opponent isn't giving me any looks,” Osaka said in her post-match press conference. “For me, normally if I focus that much, then the match potentially could be over in two. But I felt like it just kept going on.

Honestly, it was a bit fun because that quality of an opponent... at the final stages of a tournament. Yeah, it was fun.”

This will be Osaka's third Grand Slam final, as the Japanese superstar captured her second Grand Slam title at the 2019 Australian Open. The World No.9 is undefeated in Grand Slam singles finals, a record she would like to keep come Saturday evening.

“I would say I feel like my mindset is much different this time around,” Osaka said. “I feel like I've learned so much through the ups and downs, not even counting the finals, but just regular tour tournaments.

“Mentally I feel stronger. I feel fitter now. It's going to be interesting to see what happens.”

Osaka will face Victoria Azarenka, who defeated Serena Williams in a nail-biting encounter on Arthur Ashe stadium to book her spot in the final. She holds a 2-1 career lead over the two-time Grand Slam champion, with Azarenka winning their most recent encounter in Cincinnati via walkover.

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