An inspired Monica Puig played nearly flawless tennis in rallying past Germany's Angelique Kerber in the women's singles final at the 2016 Rio Games Saturday, August 13, earning Puerto Rico its first-ever Olympic gold medal.

With chants of "Puer-to Ri-co!" reigning down at the Olympic Tennis Center, the world no. 34 ranked-player stilled herself against the much higher rated Kerber (no. 2) to secure the 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 victory.

Puig on Attack

A decisive underdog, the 22-year-old Puig's nothing-to-lose attitude had her on attack from the opening volley, as she routinely took shots from every angle and every inch of the court.

Puig was at her best when she had to be, annihilating Kerber in the deciding match, which included her winning the first five games of the match.

It's a time and place Puig has long envisioned herself in and in an August 2014 interview with the Latin Post she revealed just as much.

"Obviously, I have to adjust to transforming into this new player I am becoming," Monica Puig said. "We are changing a lot of things. I have a long career ahead of me. I don't have to be 'there' now. I want to learn as much as possible."

Against Kerber, Puig looked like she had arrived. After finally securing the victory, she flung her racket sky high in celebration as relief and elation simultaneously graced her face.

"I'm speechless," she added. "I wanted it so bad. I know my life is going to change a bit."

Puig Enjoying it all

But Puig hinted that's just fine by her, adding "I love what I do."

In addition to winning her country's first gold medal, Puig is Puerto Rico's first female Olympic medalist.

In 68-years of sending athletes to compete in the Olympics, Puerto Rico had won just eight medals and no gold before Puig's breakthrough.

Puig was born in San Juan but her family later moved to Miami, Fla. when she was still a baby.