6 things you didn’t know about tennis player Mónica Puig

Mónica Puig: Olympic Tennis Player and Retiree

Success at Central American Games

Marriage and New Adventures

Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mónica Puig was a prominent tennis player who won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

The athlete, who turns 30 today, became the first Olympic gold medalist from Puerto Rico.

In the context of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we share 6 things you probably didn’t know about the current ESPN commentator.

As the daughter of an American-Cuban father and a Puerto Rican mother, Mónica began playing tennis at the age of 6.

1. A Distinguished Tennis Career

Mónica Puig tennis player /FOTO: Getty Images

In addition to her Olympic gold medal, Mónica Puig had notable performances in other competitions.

She won gold medals at the Central American Games in Mayagüez 2010 and Veracruz 2014, as well as at the Barranquilla 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games.

In the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara 2011, she earned a silver medal.

In 2010, she was named Puerto Rican Athlete of the Year and was previously a winner of the Premio Juventud

2. Announces Her Retirement

PHOTO: Shutterstock

After nearly 20 years of her career, on June 13, 2022, Mónica Puig announced her definitive retirement from professional tennis.

This decision was not easy, but the injuries that plagued her were the reason to bid farewell to her «greatest love.»

«It’s a special day for me because I’m announcing my retirement from tennis,» expressed the athlete, who had tried several times to return to her best level.

«I’ve reached a point where my body says, ‘No more’… I feel that tennis has distanced itself from me… I’m losing what I love most in this world,» Puig confessed.

3. She Married Her Childhood Friend

Mónica Puig tennis player / PHOTO: Shutterstock

However, it’s not all sad news, as less than half a year after announcing her retirement, tennis player Mónica Puig tied the knot.

On November 11, 2022, she married the American amateur tennis player Nathan Rakitt, whom she had known since childhood.

After a beautiful courtship, the couple got engaged in October 2021, and the wedding took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Currently, Nathan and Mónica reside in Atlanta, where the now former tennis player collaborates with ESPN.

4. She Tackled Two Marathons!

PHOTO: Shutterstock

There is no doubt that the former Puerto Rican tennis player Mónica Puig, despite no longer competing professionally, remains an athlete.

In less than a week, in April of this year, she ran two marathons: the London and Boston marathons, following the advice of Eliud Kipchoge.

Just last year, she participated for the first time in a race of this nature, the New York City Marathon.

«I believe that when I played tennis, I was never as mentally strong as I am now,» she told Olympics.com.

5. Mónica Puig Defeats Venus Williams in the ‘Battle of Legends’

Mónica Puig tennis player / PHOTO: The Associated Press

A little over a week ago, the ‘Battle of Legends’ took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In this exhibition match, Mónica Puig defeated the American tennis star Venus Williams, Serena’s sister.

Nearly 20,000 people attended the match, where the athletes had the opportunity to dance to reggaeton.

Among the attendees were singer Myke Towers, model Dayanara Torres, and singer-songwriter Draco Rosa.

6. She Celebrates Her Birthday in Style

PHOTO: The Associated Press

As mentioned earlier, today marks the 30th birthday of former Puerto Rican tennis player Mónica Puig.

And if she needed something else to do, she decided to celebrate her arrival at the age of 30 by flying an airplane!

According to Metro, she had the support of the aircraft’s pilot.

Moreover, just last week, she completed the Ironman 70.3 in Augusta, Georgia, in the United States.