World number two Victoria Azarenka has expressed her excitement ahead of her semi-final meeting with Flavia Pennetta.

The Belarusian advanced from the last eight of the tournament on Wednesday following a 6-2 6-3 win over Daniela Hantuchova at Flushing Meadows.

Pennetta overcame compatriot Roberta Vinci on Wednesday with a 6-4 6-1 victory, and Azarenka cannot wait to face the Italian for a place in the final.

"It's amazing to see such great players in the semi-finals," said Azarenka. "Flavia has been through so much in her career and I can't wait to play her."

At 24 years old, Azarenka will be the only one of the four semi-finalists not in her 30s.