Russia's Vera Zvonareva reached the last four of the US Open for the first time in her career with a hard-fought 6-3 7-5 win over Kaia Kanepi.

Zvonareva, who lost in the final at Wimbledon this year, had the game in control right through, ending the contest after one hour and 53 minutes.

"That was very difficult. I haven't played in those conditions in a while and I hung in well and was able to be patient, but at the same time used my opportunities," Sky Sports quoted Zvonareva, as saying.

Meanwhile, Kanepi admitted that wind had played a major part in the match.

"It was blowing in every way. When I played against Jelena (Jankovic) it was the same thing, so I was a little used to it," she said.

Zvonareva will next face top seed Caroline Wozniacki, who beat Dominika Cibulkova in straight sets. (ANI)