Unseeded Puerto Rican Monica Puig, 22, beat the German and world number two Angelique Kerber 6-4 4-6 6-1 to clinch first Olympic goal for the Caribbean side.
Reigning Australian Open champion Kerber, 28, simply could not match the intensity of her younger opponent in the deciding set as she lost to Puig in a three set match.
Puig, who was born in Puerto Rico but raised in Miami. The now superstar lay a statement during the post match interview saying, “I always have been 100% loyal to where I was born and the roots I was raised in.
“I still have family in Puerto Rico and I have been back to visit quite a lot. I think it honestly is my favourite place to go when I want to go to the beach or see family.
“It’s just amazing,” said Puig. “I know my country really appreciates this and I wanted to give it to them. The way that I did it tonight, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
