© Getty Images Sport – Matt King
Monica Puig seemingly still has the game as the retired 29-year-old Puerto Rican defeated Venus Williams in “Battle of Legends” on Friday night. Puig, the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist, defeated Williams 7-5 4-6 10-5 in an exhibition match at the Puerto Coliseum Rico in San Juan.
In August, it was announced that Puig – who retired from pro tennis last year – would be playing seven-time Grand Slam champion Williams in Puerto Rico. To no one’s surprise, the match drew lots of attention among the locals as 18,000 spectators came to watch the Puig and Williams exhibition match.
Monica Puig vs Venus Williams pic.twitter.com/Tl202jCk7n — ricardo cruz (@ricardocruz5) September 16, 2023
Retired Puig beats Williams in an exhibition match
After being sidelined for two and a half years due to injuries and surgeries, former world No 27 Puig returned to action in 2022 April.
Unfortunately, Puig’s comeback was short-lived as the Puerto Rican appeared in just two tournaments before announcing her retirement from pro tennis at the age of 28. “It’s not a goodbye, but a see you soon. Over the past 28 years of my life, 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. This decision isn’t an easy one because I would’ve loved to retire on my own terms, but sometimes life has other plans and we have to open new doors that lead to exciting possibilities.
I would love to also announce that I will be very much active in the tennis world as a new full time member of the ESPN family, along with branching out into many other sports that I am passionate about! I will also be exploring consulting roles for young, up and coming tennis players, as well as with programs and academies,” Puig announced in 2022 July.
