What picture is likely to instantly blow up on the big screen for Federer after every loss now – even if it’s in a Slam final?

The comfort of his life outside tennis gaining size ??? and strength by the minute?

The first thought that flashes Fed’s brain now after a loss is this: “Yeah, you won but I have 15 Slams and a career Slam. You will never get there. Besides, I have a new life waiting for me”.

As Safin said ‘It’s going to get old for Federer one day. For these younger guys it’s something new and exciting’.

Well, his new life after tennis – forced as it may have been – is not helping hold that sentiment from boiling over.

It’s still impossible to write off Federer. Even if he fails to win trophies with regularity of past, his berth in the semis and finals at most of the 19 events he has elected to participate in next season is more or less guaranteed.

But that euphoria of a win will start to pipe down to a level where each loss appears like a God’s way of pointing him in another direction.

None of the past greats had this much baggage outside their tennis life at this age. Add the constant reminders from the press every time he has a bad day and you know this is going to grow on him – irrevocably.

However, it’s also an opportunity to showcase your mental prowess by blocking each compartment so tightly that one does not spill over the other to the extent that either one is mistreated, malnourished and ignored.

It surely will be another first to the numerous ’stands alone’ he already owns.