By Pete Sanderson BBC Sport Online in Melbourne

He may never be as serene as Steffi Graf, as majestic as Michael Stich or as brilliant as Boris Becker.

But, for the next few days at least, Rainer Schuettler is thrilled to be in the German tennis spotlight.

For years, Schuettler has lived in the shadows of his more illustrious compatriots.

But reaching the last four of the Australian Open has propelled him to something approaching hero status at home.

Everybody said Germany could not get to the final of the World Cup, but they did - so why can't I make it to the final of the Australian Open? Rainer Schuettler

And the world number 33 is loving every minute of it.

"Of course people like Boris and Steffi have had more press than me," concedes the 26-year-old, who has never previously gone beyond the fourth round of any Grand Slam.

"They deserve it - they have won nearly all the major tournaments and were in big semi finals every year.

"It is only the first time I have made the last four of a big event - I am new to this.

"But it's great to be carrying the German flag and I want to milk this moment for all it is worth."

Like all young Germans, Schuettler hero-worshipped Becker as a child.

"Boris created a big boom in German tennis after his exploits at Wimbledon," he said.

Boris Becker's Wimbledon triumph inspired Schuettler

"I may only have been nine but I was one of those people on the edge of my seat when Becker won on Centre Court in 1985.

"Admittedly, I always knew I was a good player - but I never imagined I would ever reach that stage of a Grand Slam myself.

"Now I'm just one game away from the final of the Australian Open.

"Tennis can kick you when you're down - but at times like this I appreciate it for all it is."

Schuettler knows he is the long-odds outsider of the four semi-finalists.

But wins over Richard Krajicek, James Blake and David Nalbandian have shown his spirit and speed around the court can trouble even the best.

"My weakness is my serve," he admits. "I will have to improve it in the semi-final so I can find a way to the net.

"But I am quick around the court, I have a great return and can be very aggressive from the baseline when I'm playing well.

Schuettler has lived in the shadow of Tommy Haas

"I spent most of my Christmas playing tennis to get in top shape for this tournament so there is no reason I can't win here.

"Everybody said Germany could not get to the final of the World Cup in Japan, but they did - so why can't I make it to the final of the Australian Open?"

Schuettler also hopes that his success in Melbourne will alter perceptions about the current strength of German tennis.

"Everybody seems to think there's this big gap in German tennis after Becker and Graf retired but I totally disagree.

"Nicolas (Kiefer) was one of the best players around until he got injured and Tommy (Haas) was the world number two for a long time.

"And now I am in the last four here. I can't see a gap myself."