New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Puig still impacted by Puerto Rico devastation
NEW HAVEN — When powerful Hurricane Maria swept across Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2017, it was a tough situation for Puerto Rican native Monica Puig to deal with being so far away competing on the Asian swing of the WTA tour.
“It was tough, I was worried about my family and friends and it got me very emotional,” Puig said. “It was a very traumatic experience knowing I had family riding out the storm. The first time I went back on the court it was still emotionally draining for me. I still think about it when I am on the court.”
Puig said things are getting better in Puerto Rico. And things are going pretty good for Puig.
On Saturday, she advanced to the third round of qualifying at the Connecticut Open Tennis tournament when Andrea Petkovic retired in the second set of her second-round match for a 7-6 (4), 1-1 (retired) win on the Grandstand court. Petkovic retired due to a thigh injury.
“Andrea and I have played six times, she is tricky and very dangerous,” Puig said. “I saw she had an issue with her quad after the first set. It’s an unfortunate situation but I am very excited to be able to move on in qualifying.”
Puig is competing at the Connecticut Open after winning the gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games. She defeated Mariana Duque 6-1, 6-1 for the gold medal and dedicated the medal to all the victims and people recovering from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
The first chance Puig had to visit family and friends in Puerto Rico was in October and she was accompanied by Maria Sharapova. They helped hand out supplies and items like water.
“Going back there, it was devastating,” said Puig, who resides in Florida. “That’s why I dedicated the gold medal to Puerto Rico. All athletes from Puerto Rico have this top pursuit, to do what we can to help.
“This really hit home for me. Everybody in my family stayed and rode out the storm. Fortunately there wasn’t much damage, no significant damage to their homes.”
Puig plans to return to Peurto Rico after the tennis season ends.
“It’s a lot better there now,” Puig said. “The medical system is running now and most of the power is back, although there are still some power outages from time to time.”