This time last year he was ranked 55, now he's 32, there has been some improvement. Sure he hasn't had a repeat of Rafa at Wimbledon but he can't really be expected to. Had a good run at AO, beat fed, good run at Wimbles, had bad luck at the USO. It's true that there hasn't been a drastic increase in performance but in some matches the ease with which he plays is reminiscent of top 20 at least.
Yes he has dud matches, and today was definitely a dud, but I think those bad spots are almost purely a mental thing. His level of play is good, fantastic even, it's more his ability to control his emotions that is holding him back.
I've been following Nick for quite a while now, and there have definitely been some sad and disappointing moments where you wonder whether he really wants it enough. However, he has so much talent. So much. He is a rare player, that with the right guidance, could be an absolute champion, so by all means criticise him, but remember, that we want people with these kinds of gifts to stick with the sport. Nick is clearly a bit emotionally volatile, and sensitive when it comes to public 'hate'. I am all for voicing opinions on how a player is tracking, but let's not contribute to the 'hate' that seems to stick to his image, or he might never be able to shrug off the 'bad boy' label.
Sorry for the paragraph.....