Saiyami Kher Instagram – I cried all evening. And it seems the skies echo my sentiments today. I feel empty, yet full of emotions. I had the same feeling in 2013 when Sachin retired. It’s been 8 yrs & this gnawing feeling persists. 2001 feels like yesterday when this teenaged boy, hair in a pony, wooden beads around his neck, went past Sampras’s wide serve with a return so powerful, that his power is still in our hearts over 2 decades, 1251 wins, 310 weeks at No.1, 103 titles & 20 grand slams later. He defines the word legendary. He has conquered every possible challenge on the tennis court. The elegant single-handed backhand, the nimbleness on court, made you feel like he never ran on court; a forehand so powerful that it knocked the wind out of his opponents lungs. His on-court achievements were astonishing but they were complemented by his off-court demeanour, which is what made him the GOAT. His charm, grace, dignity, humility & humour made him even more lovable than his single-handed backhand. His childlike naughtiness in the post match conferences and his breakdowns when he lifted many of those trophies made this super hero very real. On a personal note, just like SRT he gave me happiness every-time I was down and out. I don’t know what it is about SRT’s straight drive & Federer’s single handed backhand but they have a direct relation to the serotonin in my brain. My mother was shocked that I was ok to spend all my hard earned money in college to go watch the Wimbledon. I don’t regret every penny I spent going there. I went in 2017 watched Federer demolish Dimitrov in the fourth round, followed by his rampage over Raonic, Berdych and then Cilic in the finals. I still can’t believe I was there in person watching him lift the trophy and give his winning speech. I went again in 2018 and watched him again. Watching him on Centre Court at Wimbledon is a highlight of my life. It is cemented so deep in my memory bank that it’s my go-to moment whenever I feel low. Fed has taught me to be passionate about what I love, he’s taught me that hard work pays off and that humility is just very, very attractive. Thank-you Federer for all those memories. Hey Roger, stay Roger! ❤️