Ok, I know people are going to think that I’m just being reactionary on the basis of a ‘few’ bad results, but I have to say, this continuing slump of Roger’s is worrying me. And not only worrying me, but causing me to think that perhaps, just perhaps, his time at the very top might be over :(

In my time watching Federer, he has, when on form, played tennis to a level I've never witnessed before; executing shots with a brand of skill, grace and flair that has often left me astonished. It’s one thing to play effective tennis, but it’s another thing entirely to play it in such an attractive and entertaining style. Federer is, in my mind, the epitome of a top level professional. A man born to play the game. A genius if you will.

However, this recent run of bad form has now stretched well beyond merely a few bad results. I know, of course, that even the best go on losing streaks, but the man who once held the US Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon for pretty much the last four years almost unchallenged (and I don’t buy that ‘weak era’ WUM bull) has not won a significant title for many months and now has only the US Open to his name; a title which, tellingly I feel, was captured before his slump.

So, what’s the problem? Well, in my mind, I think it’s almost entirely mental. Perhaps we’re witnessing the compounded stress of having to sustain the mantle of top-dog for so long (the “monster” he created)? Possibly the pressure of being so close to surpassing Sampras's record Grand Slam haul? Or maybe it’s having finally met someone in Nadal who, stylistically, seems to be his nullifying nemesis; and not only on clay, but now even on his favourite surface? Most likely it’s an inter-related combination of the two.

Either way, despite being awesome to behold at its best, Roger’s game has, in my mind, always been a something of a fragile one. Unlike Nadal, the margin for error that separates a stunning winner from a mistimed frame-ball has meant that if he’s just a fraction out in his game or frame of mind he can, at times, throw in some shocking games/points. It’s this, in my mind, which had led to his recent slump – he’s is, of late, ostensibly just a fraction out and this is ebbing away at his confidence which, in turn, is causing his level and mental resolve to further erode in something of a vicious cycle.

I still fully believe he has the talent to dominate, but feel he’s now lacking the mental resolve and confidence to freely pursue and achieve his immense potential. I really hope he employs a sports psychologist or some other professional to help him back to the top soon as tennis, without him at his peak, would be so much the poorer.

I do hope he can make a resurgence, but, like I say, at the moment I’m worried.