Monica Puig Wins Olympic Women's Tennis Singles Final, Becomes the First Puerto Rican Gold Medalist Ever

The unseeded Monica Puig defeated No. 2-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.

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Besides the beautiful year-round weather, Puerto Rico has another great reason to party because their Olympic tennis team is sitting atop of the tennis world this weekend. And they have Monica Puig to credit for their jubilation. The 22-year-old tennis player made history as the first athlete in Puerto Rico's history (male or female) to win an Olympic gold medal ever.

The unseeded Puig was the underdog throughout the Olympic women's singles tournament, besting every one of her opponents throughout six rounds. In the gold medal match, she defeated No. 2-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.

After the match, Puig was understandably overcome with emotion, representing her home country crying tears of joy while holding up the Puerto Rican flag. "I"m speechless," Puig said, grinning after her win. "I wanted it so bad. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that this would happen," she added regarding her remarkable run towards the gold.

Puig also acknowledged the likelihood of her sudden life changes at stakes becoming a heroine who has etched her name and country into the history books. "I know my life is going to change a bit. I love what I do."

As for the current state of politics in Puerto Rico, Puig stated her role to help unify the country in the video below: "I just wanted to tell them that this is for them," she says. "They're going through some tough times right now, and they needed this. I think I united a nation. And I just love where I come from."

Ah-Puerto Rico! HOOOOO!

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