Rafael Nadal reckons he's rusty, playing inconsistently and delivering a game with far too many mistakes

But it hasn't stopped the 20-time Grand Slam winner rumbling on with a huge smile to the verge of his first title in Australia in 13 years.

The Spaniard finds himself in yet another ATP Tour final at the Melbourne Summer Set, despite looking far from his best.

Nadal says he has an undying passion for the game and is lucky to be able to turn one of his hobbies into a career.

He meets American qualifier Maxime Cressy in the final later today, and will be a hot favourite to extend one of the sport's great streaks, as he seeks to win at least one ATP title for the 19th successive season.