Fernandez, the runner-up at the 2021 US Open, hit 12 aces and picked up her second victory of the week against a top-20 opponent by beating 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-3) across three hours 16 minutes on Saturday.
Kalinskaya needed less than half as much time to eliminate Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-3 with the help of 14 backhand winners in the second semi-final. It was Raducanu who defeated Fernandez for the championship at Flushing Meadows four years ago.
Both finalists are unseeded. Canada's Fernandez, who is 22 years old, is ranked 36th and Russia's Kalinskaya, 26, is ranked 48th.
"It was an interesting match. It's nice to play against Emma," world No.48 Kalinskaya said.
"I'm proud of myself. I stayed aggressive and stuck to my plan."
Fernandez "is such a fighter, she plays incredibly and never gives up. I played a tough battle against her a while ago. Tomorrow, I think it's going to be the same, and I'm excited".
Kalinskaya moved into her third tour-level final and went 0-2 in title matches last season.
Fernandez, who got past top-seeded Jessica Pegula earlier in the week, owns three titles. Sunday's matchup will be her seventh career decider.
With Reuters.
