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NEW YORK -- The last time the two womens finalists at this U.S. Open, Angelique Kerber of Germany and Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, played each other, it really was no contest.Pliskova dominated the higher-ranked and more-experienced Kerber, not merely winning in straight sets, but dropping only four games along the way.Like Saturdays matchup, the one three weeks ago was played on a hard court.Like Saturday, there was a title at stake.There are, however, some key differences, including that the earlier one was at a run-of-the-mill event and the upcoming one is at a Grand Slam tournament. And, perhaps most significantly of all when it comes to the outcome this time, when Kerber lost at Cincinnati in August, she knew she had to win to make her debut at No. 1 in the WTA rankings -- whereas now, shes guaranteed of wresting the top spot from Serena Williams on Monday, regardless of what happens in Arthur Ashe Stadium.So while there is still a lot on the line, of course -- millions of dollars, a major trophy -- Kerber does not have to deal with the pressure of trying to ascend to No. 1. Shes already assured of that.That was always a dream for me, the No. 2-seeded Kerber said after beating Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals Thursday night, when 10th-seeded Pliskova upset Williams 6-2, 7-6 (5). I was trying to not think too much the whole last few weeks about this, and now I reach it. So its something really special for me.All in all, its been quite a special 2016 for Kerber.This will be her third appearance in a Grand Slam title match: She beat Williams in the Australian Open final in January, then lost to the American in the Wimbledon final in July.Kerber has a tour-leading 53 match wins, two titles and now three runs to major finals this season, which accounts for her move up.She gets a lot of balls back. She also knows how to change the pace. She gets good angles. And, yeah, shes playing really well, said Wozniacki, who spent 67 weeks atop the WTA, finishing 2010 and 2011 at No. 1.You know, its not a lot of people who have been No. 1. Its a huge thing. She definitely has a target on her back now. Everyone wants to beat the No. 1 player in the world. Shes going to enjoy it. First, she has a match here that shes focused on.That comes against Pliskova, who never had been past the third round in 17 previous major appearances but became only the fourth woman to beat both Williams sisters during one Grand Slam tournament.I hope I didnt stop yet, that there is still one more step to go. Ill do anything for getting the title, Pliskova said. Even if I dont get it, its a big result. Im really happy to be there and even have the chance to play in the final here.The match offers an intriguing contrast in styles. As Venus and Serena Williams saw first-hand, the 6-foot-1 Pliskova goes right at opponents with big, flat groundstrokes and tough-to-handle serves. She averaged 109 mph on her first serves Thursday -- faster than the younger Williams, known for the best serve in the womens game -- and leads the tour in aces this year.The 5-foot-8 Kerber, meanwhile, is terrific at retrieving and counter-punching, dropping down to a knee at times along the baseline to get balls back.Her serve is a weakness: She was broken while serving for the match against Wozniacki, for example, and lost three service games in the first set alone of her quarterfinal against 2015 runner-up Roberta Vinci. Kerber acknowledged that aspect of her game will be key on Saturday.She also said she wants to try to control points more than she did the last time she faced Pliskova.I was just pushing too much the balls there, Kerber said, so I think I will change this a little bit. Go for it, being aggressive.---Follow Howard Fendrich on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HowardFendrichVince Carter Jersey . 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Badenhop was 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 63 relief appearances for Milwaukee this season. He is 18-20 in his career with three saves and a 3.Rafa Benitez has arrived at St James Park for face-to-face talks with Newcastle, with Sky Sports News HQ understanding he will sign a three-year deal as successor to Steve McClaren.McClaren was sacked by Newcastle on Friday morning after just nine months at the club which saw him win just six games in 28 Premier League outings and leave the club 19th in the table, one point adrift of safety.Sky Sports News HQ understands Benitez, who has been without a club since being sacked by Real Madrid in January, will have an opt-out clause if the club is relegated and there is a very good chance he will be in charge in time to take training at the weekend and be in the dugout for the Monday Night Football clash with league leaders Leicester City. McClaren in quotes Steve McClarens managerial highs and lows in quotes Dietmar Hamann says Rafael Benitez could be a perfect fit at Newcastle The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss has been told that he will be able bring his own backroom staff to the club.Should Benitez take over, he would become Newcastles eighth permanent manager in 12 years and their second foreign coach in the Premier League following Ruud Gullits spell in the dugout.dddddddddddd Whats wrong at Newcastle? Whats going wrong at Newcastle? The problems which cost Steve McClaren Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink says Rafa Benitez will bring experience to Newcastle if he becomes manager The Spaniard has won 12 trophies, including two La Liga titles with Valencia and the Champions League with Liverpool during a distinguished career. The relegation run-in Premier League relegation battle: Newcastle, Sunderland, Norwich and Aston Villas run-ins analysedAlso See:McClaren sacked by NewcastleRelegation run-inNewcastle videoNewcastle stats ' ' '