Olympic champion Monica Puig delighted home fans with a 6-3, 1-6, 10-6, win over Maria Sharapova at an exhibition match in Puerto Rico.
The inaugural Monica Puig Invitational was something that many fans were anticipating. Puig has become a huge sporting icon in her country since winning Puerto Rico’s first ever gold medal at an the Olympic Games in Rio earlier this year. Meanwhile, there was curiosity surrounding the state of Sharapova’s game after being banned from the tour since January due to a positive drugs test.
Inevitably there were moments in the match where Sharapova’s rustiness became evident, but she still kept pushing the world No.32 throughout. The valiant efforts of the Russian weren’t enough as a more consistent Puig held her nerve to seal the win.
“You guys are so special. Thank you so much for this,” Sharapova said after the match.
“It has been a long time since I played in front of fans and the power to do it before such a passionate audience was very warm.”
“I think this show is a combination of several things. First of all, it was for Monica. If it were not for her and for everything she accomplished this year, none of us would be here. So let’s thank her.” She added.
Look out, Radwanska. Sharapova learned some new tricks. pic.twitter.com/OVKe9WcjPq
— BreakPointBR (@BreakPointBR) 16 December 2016
An emotional Puig spoke with delight following her win. Admitting that she was moved to tears by Gilberto Santa Rosa’s rendition of La Borinquena (Puerto Rico’s national anthem), the 23-year-old praised Sharapova.
“The reason I invited Maria is not only because she is a great player, but because she is a great person, honest and funny. I hope I can bring you to Puerto Rico many more times to enjoy my Island.” Said Puig.
The Thursday showdown at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum attracted an impressive 12,163 spectators, according to figures provided by Primera Hora. Plans have already been set out to make the event an annual occurrence in order to attract more high-profile tennis players to the country.
Regardless of the successful event, Sharapova is prohibited from playing on the professional tour until April the 26th. Earlier this year she successfully launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to reduce her doping ban from two years to 15 months.
Puig’s message of hope
Whilst in the limelight of national media, Puig seized upon that opportunity by sending a message of hope to the people of Puerto Rico. The country is currently experiencing a economic crises with their unemployment rate two-and-a-half times greater than the US average. An estimated 45% of the population live in poverty.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. With a positive attitude, we can move forward,” Puig said during a press conference at a San Juan hotel.
“Every day you can find some enjoyment despite the problems,” she added.
Puig’s first tournament of 2017 will be at the Brisbane International in Australia.
