'Beating Rafa at French Open the toughest task in tennis' - Henman on Rafael Nadal v Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev will face the «toughest task in tennis» when he lines up across from Rafael Nadal in the French Open semi-finals, according to Eurosport's Tim Henman. Zverev turned in arguably the best match of his career by beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, but taking on — and beating — Nadal on the court where he has won 13 titles is another thing altogether.

Ad/> That's not to say that Henman doesn't think Zverev has the weapons to do so, but he's clear he feels the German will need to reach a higher, more consistent level than he has perhaps ever shown before. Roland-GarrosFrench Open order of play, Day 13 – Nadal v Zverev, Ruud v CilicAN HOUR AGO Speaking on Eurosport ahead of the last-four tie, ex-world No.

4 Henman said: «I think first and foremost it’s his [Zverev’s] mindset. »Against Alcaraz, there was so much talk about him during the clay court season — rightly so — and him [Alcaraz] going on to win Roland-Garros, that I think Zverev was slightly offended by that, he was saying ‘hang on, don’t forget about me.

I've won plenty of big titles and I’ve been in the final of a Slam’. «He went out there and played brilliantly, so I think the aggressive mindset is important and he’s got to have that belief against Rafa.

'A big challenge coming' — Nadal on high alert ahead of Zverev semi 'How can he be beaten when playing well?' — Zverev backed to slay Nadal by brother Exclusive: 'It's a big lie' — Ruud slams Rune over shout claim as explosive row grows »It’s the toughest task in tennis to beat Rafa at Roland-Garros in a five-setter, but I think with his big game, if he can serve at a high percentage and because of his height, he is able to get on top of the ball [it's possible]. «But let’s be honest, he's