Mark the Century for Rafael Nadal

It’s time for another ra-ra Rafa post. Partly because Rafael Nadal didn’t take the glory for himself but mostly because I just like what he does that much – especially on clay.

At the Barcelona Open, Nadal moved into the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Feliciano Lopez. Whoop-dee-doo. That’s not the fun part. With the win, Nadal notched his 100th victory in 101 tries on clay. That’s dating back to 2005 and his only loss came last year to the King himself, Roger Federer (hey, he’s still number one folks! It counts for something).

Nadal’s take on the century milestone? “That’s not bad.”

Not bad? Not bad!?! Not bad, my foot, son. Getting to work 100 out of 101 times without any mishap is “not bad”. Successfully eating 100 out of 101 chips without dropping a crumb is “not bad”. Finding 100 out of 101 songs you like is “not bad.” Winning 100 out of 101 tennis matches on clay is freaking amazing!

Maybe it’s just me. Is it just me? Am I the only one who thinks this is just pretty neat-o? Okay…I’m taking off the short skirt and putting the pom-poms away. I was never a cheerleader; I don’t know why I’m starting now.

Probably because Nadal said it “wasn’t bad” and it gouged me out of my Sideline Sally mode enough to jump up and cheer with gusto.