Monica Puig has become the first Puerto Rican athlete in history to win an Olympic gold medal after outplaying Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, in the women’s final.
Playing in only her third WTA-level final, the 22-year-old underdog produced a level of tennis that would have made the greats of the game proud.
Puig has never produced a win over a top 3 player, but her performance during the first set baffled many people as to why. After a nervous start with both players trading breaks of serve, the Puerto Rican displayed world class tennis as she bossed the Australian Open champion around the court. Firing 18 winners, Puig sealed the first set when a double handed backhand painted the top of the net before landing in.
The end of the first set was overshadowed by injury concerns regarding Kerber. As she served to stay in the match, the Australian Open champion struggled with her movement as it became evident that she had some sort of injury. Calling for a medical time-out after the first set, Kerber was received an examination of her back before exiting the court for further treatment.
An injury scare can sometimes help a player focus and that was the case for Kerber. Returning to the court, the world No.2 went out guns blazing by breaking for a 2-0 lead in the second set. Kerber was still unable to pull further away as both women displayed some spectacular shots. It was inevitable that Puig would break back with her variety of winners and she did so in the eighth game to level 4-4. A double handed backhand winner awarded her two break points, which she converted on her first following an error from her rival. Regardless of Puig’s comeback, Kerber held her nerve to close the second set out. Breaking for a 5-4 lead, four set points came and went as she was outplayed by younger rival. It wasn’t until the fifth that Kerber was successful after a Puig return landed out.
With an historic gold medal hanging in the balance, Puig recovered from her second set disappointment with a flawless display at the start of the decider. Hitting eight winners, she broke the Kerber for the fourth time in the match to open up a 3-0 lead. The latest offensive was enough to secure her the biggest win in her life. A failed drop shot from Kerber gifted Puig the double break as she strolled towards the title. The German might be the No.2 player in the world, but Puig was playing like she was world No.1. Narrowly missing out of her first match point when her forehand drifted wide, the world No.34 was then tasked with serving the match out. Fending off five break points, the 22-year-old secured gold thanks to a shot from her rival landing out.
As the tears of joy streamed down Puig’s face, she dedicated her medal to her home country, who has an estimated population of just 3.5 million people.
“This is definitely for them (the people of Puerto Rico). They’re going through some tough times right now. They needed this and I needed this.” Puig following her win.
“I think I united a nation and I just love where I come from.”
Puig’s outstanding final performance is illustrated by the statistics. The world No.34 won 60% of her service points and produced a staggering 52 winners. Besides becoming the first athlete from her country to win an Olympic gold, she is also the lowest ranked player to win the Olympic title in the Open Era.
She did it! Monica Puig won the women’s singles tennis final and wins the first EVER #GOLD for Puerto Rico. #Tennis pic.twitter.com/rWpVITGXBT
— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) 13 August 2016
