Monica Puig, a trailblazer in tennis, made history with her spectacular victory at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she clinched the gold medal in women’s singles. Now, she is set to begin an exciting new chapter, as she and her husband, Nathan Rakitt, prepare to welcome their first child in the summer of 2025.
The career of Monica Puig
Puig may not be remembered as one of the greatest players in tennis history, but her story is one of excellence, perseverance, and inspiration. Throughout her career, she made significant contributions to the sport, winning two WTA singles titles.
Her best Grand Slam performance came in 2013, when she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon. However, the defining moment of her career was at the 2016 Olympic Games, where she made history by winning gold in women’s singles, becoming the first Puerto Rican athlete to win Olympic gold.
Despite facing multiple injuries and undergoing several surgeries, Puig’s resilience and determination were evident throughout her career. Eventually, after a tough three-year battle with injuries, she announced her retirement from professional tennis in June 2022, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations.
"It's not a goodbye, but a see you soon," Puig wrote on social media.
"Over the past 28 years, tennis has been my constant. It has given me some of the most thrilling and memorable experiences I could have ever asked for. But, sometimes, good things come to an end.
"Today, I announce my retirement from tennis. After a tough three-year fight with injuries and four surgeries, my body had enough."
Announcing her pregnancy
Puig married Nathan Rakitt in November 2022, and now the couple has announced they are expecting their first child.
"I'm so excited to jump into our most exciting adventure yet!" Puig wrote on Instagram. "Baby girl Rakitt is coming in Summer 2025."
The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and support, with fans and fellow athletes celebrating the joyous news.
"Maybe it's the hormones, but I'm just tearing up with all the messages!" Puig shared in her Instagram Story. "Thank you all so much 🩷. I am so excited about this new chapter."
A new chapter begins
Puig, a history-maker in tennis, is now set to embark on an exciting new journey beyond the sport. With her legacy firmly established, she steps into motherhood with the same passion and determination that defined her illustrious career.
Baby girl Rakitt coming Summer 2025 🩷 pic.twitter.com/n0rKghCfgv
— Monica Puig (@MonicaAce93) February 1, 2025
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