“He’s always done that. That hasn’t changed, for sure,” was Zverev’s response when asked whether the heart De Minaur showed on court was a big improvement.

Instead, the German has seen genuine improvement in the technical side of De Minaur’s game.

“I think there’s other areas he’s improved in. His serve has improved tremendously, his second serve, especially. Yeah, but obviously a great player.

“Yeah, nothing more to say. He’s, you know, he’s a top contender for Turin this year, as well. Obviously he has improved a lot.”

Zverev will take on two-time finalist Casper Ruud in the semi-finals on Friday. The Norwegian is an accomplished clay-courter, having won two titles on the surface this season, and is appearing in his third consecutive Roland-Garros semi-final.

The German is well aware of the challenge he will face in Friday’s last-four showdown.

“Great player,” Zverev said of Ruud.

“Look, two finals in a row, third semifinal in a row, that speaks for itself. He’s one of the best players on this surface, for sure.

“I think I have to play my best tennis to have a chance.”