In the third round, Schuettler received a walkover after third seed Marat Safin of Russia had to withdraw through injury and then in the last four, the German came up against an exhausted Andy

Roddick, who was still feeling the effects of his marathon quarter-final clash with Younes El Aynaoui.

That shouldn’t detract from Schuettler’s achievement, however.

The 26-year-old has never progressed past the fourth round of a Grand Slam prior to this fortnight and wasn’t expected to challenge at Melbourne Park.

But challenge he has, even though he admits he is the underdog heading into the final.

Schuettler is under no illusions as to the task he faces tomorrow and admits he is looking for his opponent to have an off day.

““Maybe he eats something wrong the day before, then I have a chance,” he joked.

He is, though, in the fortunate position of having nothing to lose. “I have no pressure at all,” he added.

“It’s a dream for me, a dream to be in the final. I am really looking forward to it. Maybe I have a chance to win. I will give my best and try to play a really good final.”

Whether he will be allowed to play well is another matter.

Agassi has been in imperious form since the start of the tournament and brushed aside Wayne Ferreira in straight sets in a one-sided semi.

But the three-time Australian Open champion has ruled out under-estimating his opponent and insists it will be a tough match.

“It would be an unfortunate thing if you could sit in your home or hotel room and phone in the result because sports wouldn’t be what it is if you could,” Agassi told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“You’ve got to come out and play and you’ve got to come out and earn it. Regardless of how many times you’ve done it, it’s still a job that needs to get done.”

Agassi has been one of the few players to relish the blisteringly hot conditions in Melbourne this week – something he puts down to working hard during the short off-season.

“You know it’s not easy to come down here very prepared but it sure beats the alternative,” Agassi said.

“Things do get more difficult the older you get. But, overall, I feel like I’ve got stronger.”

Agassi first reached a Grand Slam final at Roland Garros in 1990 but claims getting to major finals is just as sweet as he nears the end of a wonderful career.

“I think you appreciate everything in life more. Everything has deeper roots in your heart and mind,” he added.

“Experience tells me that not a single day’s promised to us.

“Opportunities get fewer, so they become more special – they become more disappointing, they become more enjoyable.”

It is likely he will have another day to enjoy on Sunday.