Lleyton Hewitt tamed big-hitting Swede Joachim Johansson to reach his second US Open final, cruising through 6-4 7-5 6-3 in one hour 59 minutes on Saturday.
One service break in each set was enough for the 2001 champion to extend his winning roll to 16 and set up a final against Roger Federer or Tim Henman.
The 23-year-old Hewitt withstood an early barrage from Johansson, saving a solitary break point, before breaking the 28th seed's ferocious serve for the first time in the 10th game.
Johansson, who stunned defending champion Andy Roddick to become the first Swede to reach the last four here since Stefan Edberg in 1992, had looked solid until that point but paid the price for three forehand errors and a wild smash.
Hewitt, who is yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows this year, appeared totally in control during the second set despite being taken to deuce when serving at 3-3.
Johansson, nearly two metres tall, boomed down 17 aces during the contest, taking his tournament tally to 123, but Hewitt ruthlessly pounced on the slightest opening.
With the Swede serving at 5-6 in the second set Hewitt went 30-15 ahead after racing to reach a drop shot and then winning a sharp volleying exchange.
{{/usCountry}}With the Swede serving at 5-6 in the second set Hewitt went 30-15 ahead after racing to reach a drop shot and then winning a sharp volleying exchange.
{{/usCountry}}Two points later Johansson's wayward forehand produced a fist-pumping reaction from Hewitt as he moved two sets ahead.
Hewitt never looked like relinquishing his hold, breaking to love for a 5-3 lead in the third before serving out for victory.
The match was watched by Hewitt's sister Jaslyn, who is also Johansson's long-term girlfriend.
"I think she would have to go for the brother," Hewitt joked when asked who Jaslyn was supporting.
"It was a bit awkward for both of us but we just had to put our professional hats on," added Hewitt, who practises regularly with Johansson when the Swede visits the family home in Adelaide.
"I've been playing well all through the hardcourt season and there's just one match to go now."
Former world number one Hewitt will be playing in his first grand slam final since winning Wimbledon in 2002.