STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Monica Puig became the first Puerto Rican player to win a WTA title on Saturday by beating Silvia Soler-Espinosa of Spain 6-4, 6-3 in the Strasbourg International final.
“It’s amazing to do this coming from such a small island, where tennis isn’t necessarily recognized as one of the main sports,” Puig said. “I’m just happy I’m able to be here playing tennis not only for myself, but for my country too.”
In a match between two players appearing in their first final, the 20-year-old Puig was on top from the start as she broke the Spaniard in her first service game. She also broke twice in the second set, including in the final game.
Puig dropped just nine points on serve all match, two of which were double-faults.
“I woke up this morning and I felt it. I felt I was going to do something amazing,” Puig said. “It was one of those feelings where you just know it’s going to happen, and I played some of the greatest tennis I’ve ever played.”
Puig next heads to the French Open where she has been drawn against 2010 finalist Sam Stosur.
Soler-Espinosa faces Chanelle Scheepers at Roland Garros.
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