Monica Puig defeated second-seeded Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 to win the gold medal in women’s singles in Rio, the first ever in any sport for Puerto Rico. After a week of upsets and unpredictable matches, it makes perfect sense that an unseeded player would bring home the gold. But make no mistake, it was a well-earned accomplishment.

Puig entered the Olympics ranked 35th in the world and was a long shot at best to medal, much less stand on the highest podium.  But after defeating top-20 players Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Petra Kvitova along with the world no. 2 Kerber and world no. 3 Garbine Muguruza, Puig survived the gauntlet on her way to the gold medal.

On Saturday, the 22-year old moved Kerber from side to side with deep, angled ground strokes. Her aggressive style kept the strong defender from gaining prime position on the court and she would not allow her to gain traction for much of the match, as she consistently struck winners from both wings.

Puig shook off any early nerves after losing the opening service game of the match.  She immediately broke back and play remained on serve until Kerber served to stay in the set at 4-5. Puig quickly attacked the German’s serve and broke to take the set.

After the set, Kerber would require treatment on her back but showed no effects afterward. She fought back in the second set as some untimely errors crept into Puig’s game.  The 28-year began to find success in service games, striking 6 aces as she elevated her first serve percentage.  After breaking to go to 5-4, she would close out the set on her serve.

However, the Puerto Rican wasted no time gaining control of the decisive third set as she raced out to a 5-0 lead behind 19 winners. But, Kerber would not go without a fight as she battled to the end.

With Puig serving for the match at 5-1, Kerber would gain 6 break point opportunities but could not cash in.  And after her third match point, Puig capitalized and the upset was in the books. Appearing stunned, Puig made her way around centre court with her nation’s flag draped around her.

Afterward, Kerber gave credit to her opponent, “I knew, actually, that she's a great player,” she said. “I tried everything, she played better in the end.”

Later, Puig broke down in tears as she stood on the podium and received her gold medal. She would reflect on her accomplishment, “It was the tournament, and greatest moment, of my life,” she said. “I wanted it so badly, I fought and my put my heart and soul on the court. I know my country really wanted this victory.”

Petra Kvitova received the silver medal after defeating Madison Keys 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 on Saturday. The American would win the bronze.

The final day of tennis in Rio will come on Sunday as Andy Murray faces Juan Martin Del Potro for the Men’s singles gold medal.  Murray was in control for most of the day as he defeated Kei Nishikori in the first semifinal on Saturday. Meanwhile, Del Potro won an extremely competitive semifinal match against Rafael Nadal, capping it in a third-set tiebreak. Nadal will face Nishikori for the bronze medal.

Also, Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina will face Martina Hingis and Timea Bacsinszky for the Women’s doubles gold medal on Sunday. While Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jack Sock will meet Venus Williams and Rajeev Ram in an all-American encounter for the mixed doubles gold.