In what he called the greatest triumph of his career, Gonzalez ended the eight-time Grand Slam champion's bid for his sixth crown here in their first career meeting.

"It's a dream come true," Gonzalez said.

"I grew up watching and enjoying how Andre plays. I've been watching him play since 15 years ago. I don't think he knows who I am so that's good for me.

"I really enjoyed this moment. I was happy just to be on the court against Andre. I beat him so I'm double happy. It's amazing."

Four days past his 23rd birthday, the fourth-seeded clay-court star advanced to his first hardcourt final, a Sunday showdown with Britain's Tim Henman, who saved a match point to beat US second seed Andy Roddick 1-6, 6-3, 7-6.

"Not many hit the ball harder than him," Henman said of Gonzalez.

"I know it's going to be tough out there."

Gonzalez, whose three ATP titles all came on clay, has a 2-1 career edge on Henman, beating him in 2002 Masters Series events on Rome clay and Cincinnati's hardcourts. Henman ousted him in the second round of the 2000 US Open.

Only 2-4 on hardcourts this year until this week, Gonzalez rallied from a break down in the second set to oust Agassi, who marvelled at the difficult shots which the South American swatted for winners.

"With him, the match can turn around so quickly," Agassi said.