Serving a Greater Purpose: How WTA Players Like Monica Puig Are Changing the Game Off the Court

In professional tennis, the spotlight often shines brightest on championship points, roaring crowds, and the thrill of competition. But for many athletes on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, the platform extends far beyond the baseline.

Monica speaking on the importance of maternal health with the WTA Foundation, Credit: Jorje Ferrari

That spirit of purpose drives the WTA Foundation, which works to empower girls and women through initiatives focused on equality, education, leadership, and health and wellness. Chief among its efforts is the Global Women’s Health Fund, a program tackling critical gaps in maternal health and nutrition worldwide — because, as these athletes will tell you, winning means nothing if the world beyond the court isn’t better for it.

For Miami fans and the broader Latin American community, few players embody that intersection of sport and meaning quite like Monica Puig. The Puerto Rican star, best known for her iconic gold medal win at the 2016 Summer Olympics, has long stood as a symbol of resilience, pride, and community. And when the Miami Open rolls around each spring, Puig’s connection to the city feels especially electric.

We sat down with her to discuss how she’s shining a light on important conversations about women’s health and inspiring change.

Tennis has given you a global platform. How have you used it to support women’s health initiatives through the WTA Foundation?

Tennis has taken me all over the world, and one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that sport gives you a voice that reaches far beyond the court. Being part of the WTA community means standing for something bigger than wins and losses. If our sport can shine a light on the challenges that millions of women and families face, and inspire people to care or get involved, that’s incredibly meaningful to me.

Photos/Monica Puig, Instagram @monicaace93

Why are maternal health and women’s health issues that athletes should be talking about?

Athletes are often seen as symbols of strength, but we’re also women who understand how important health and support systems are at every stage of life. When you realize how many mothers around the world don’t have access to basic resources for a healthy pregnancy, it really puts things into perspective. It’s an honor to use our platforms to amplify those conversations and support initiatives that give women the care they deserve.

Miami is such a special stop on the tour. How does it feel to connect with audiences here while highlighting causes close to your heart?

Miami always feels like a second home. The energy, the culture, the strong Latin American community — it makes it such a special place for tennis. Being able to connect with fans here while sharing the incredible work that the WTA Foundation is doing makes it even more meaningful. It’s a reminder that sport can bring people together not only for great matches, but for conversations about how we can support women and families around the world.

Monica volunteers with the WTA Foundation at the 2025 Miami Open, Credit/WTA

You’ve also been taking on a mentorship role for younger players at the Miami Open. What role do you and the WTA network play in supporting the next generation of girls as they start their professional careers?

Being a WTA alumnae gives me the chance to guide younger players through the early stages of their careers. Through the mentorship program here in Miami, I’m able to share what I’ve learned and give them behind-the-scenes insight, whether it’s navigating tour life, balancing personal life with professional goals, or just offering advice on how to manage this lifestyle. Helping these players find their footing is incredibly rewarding, and it feels natural to connect it with the work we do to advocate for women’s health. Success in sport can, and should, go hand in hand with making a positive impact in the world.

The WTA has evolved to become one of sport’s most innovative forces for equity. Founded on the belief that female athletes deserve the same opportunities as their male counterparts, the organization continues to set new standards — and the numbers back it up. In 2025, WTA players shared a record prize pool of $249 million, a milestone that reflects a sustained investment in women’s tennis at every level.

But it goes beyond prize money. The Tour has expanded support systems that put athlete well-being first, from mental health resources to the groundbreaking PIF WTA Maternity Fund, which supports players through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and fertility care. Through the Global Women’s Health Fund, the WTA Foundation has partnered with UNICEF to expand access to prenatal nutrition and maternal health support in vulnerable communities worldwide.

As tennis continues to expand its global footprint, athletes like Puig are proof that influence earned on the court can spark real change far beyond it, helping build a world where every girl has the chance to thrive.

By ML Staff.