NEW YORK, Sept 8: Thirty-nlnC-year-old Jimmy Connors ran out of miracles at the US Open on Saturday when he ran Into the hottest player In the tournaments, French Open champion Kim Courier, reports Reuter.

Courier, who was only four years old when Connors on the first of his five US Open U-j ties sent 20,000 fans home somewhat disappointed with his 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory.

As always, the gritty Connors fought like mad to the very end. But the end came fast as Courier produced another in a string of near-perfect performances.

The 21-year-old Floridian is the only player tn the tournament — man or woman — who has not lost a set.

Remarkably, prior to Saturday's semifinal, Courier had lost his serve only four times In five matches.

In bls first US Open final, the fourth-seeded Courier will face second seed Stefan Edberg, who earlier put on a brilliant serve — and volley show to dominate three — time champion Ivan Lendl 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

"Super Saturday" turned out to be a total loss for Ihe old — timers as 17-ycar-old Monica Seles stcamrollcd 34-year-old four-time champion Martina Navratilova 7-6, 6-1 to win the women's title.

Connors had captured the Imagination of the tennis world with his Inspiring run to the semifinals — highlighted by two miraculous come-from-be-hind, five-set wins — eight years after winning his last Open.

His unlikely advance through the draw was assisted by the upsets of top-10 players Andre Agassi and Boris Becker and there appeared to be some form of divine intervention pushing Connors toward his eighth Open final.

"Fate was pushing me that way. but Courier played some unbelievable tennis" Connors said.

"He played the game the way he wanted to and was successful at it. 1 told him if he played like that tohiorrow he'll have a hell of a shot.

Courier, who beat defending champion Pete Sampras of reach the semifinals took the opening set behind a single service break in the sixth game.

Connors brought his 20,000 cheerleaders to life early in the second set when he broke Courier to lead 3-1 with the help of a controversial line call.

At break point, Courier drilled a forehand crosscourt shot that appeared to catch the sideline. He thought the umpire said 'deuce', but the shot had been called out and Connors prepared to serve, leaving Courier shaking his head in confusion.

Courier's concentration, however, was as keen as his shotmaking. He took the crowd out of the match by taking Connor's next seve at love as he began a backbreaking winning string of nine games in a row that gave him the second set and 4-C lead In third.

"I was aware he's never out of it until It's over so I was just trying to stay in every point", said the soft — spoken Courier.

The crowd sat In stunned silence as Courier lost lust three points from the third through seventh games of the middle set

Connors ended Courier's string when fourth seed double faulted to lose his serve tn the fifth game. But Courier came jlght back with one of his many backhand passing shots to break Connors for 5-1.

Connors, whose never say die' attitude is legendary, kept fighting despite the huge deficit.

With Courier serving for the match, Connors came up with one more break when he slammed a forehand volley winner that brought the crowd to Its feet as they sensed perhaps one more miracle comeback from their hero.

But it was not to be. Refusing to let Connors back into the match. Courier reached 15-40 and broke the five-time champion to end the match with yet another backhand crosscourt passing shot

Asked about Connors's history of success at the Open, Courier said: "Five US Open titles, I'd be in heaven to win one."

Now only Edberg stands between Courier and a little bit of heaven. "I’m 21,” Courier said. This is my drcam and I’m living it.”