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Puerta Quits, Fokina Falls to Tirante in French Open

5/28/2026

22 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Puerta Quits Coaching

Mariano Puerta quit as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s coach via text and flew to Miami during the 2026 French Open.
Puerta sent the message two to three hours after lunch, stating he would not continue.
Fokina then lost to unseeded Argentinian Agustín Tirante 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-1, 6-3 in the second round.
Puerta, a former World No. 14, received an eight-year ban for a 2005 etilefrine positive, later cut to two years.

Summary

Fokina Hires Coach

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina appointed José Manuel Clavet as his new coach after Mariano Puerta left abruptly.
He split from former coach Félix Mantilla after a disappointing 2025 season.
In 2025 he reached four ATP finals but lost each despite holding several match points.
Puerta praised Davidovich’s potential, noted his mental game could improve and blocked his wife on WhatsApp after leaving.

History

Historical Context

In December 2005 Argentine No. 9 Mariano Puerta received an eight-year ban for the stimulant etilefrine, the longest tennis suspension then recorded. The International Tennis Federation’s tribunal noted the trace amount was ineffective, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport cut the penalty to two years in July 2006, allowing his return in June 2007.

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Puerta Quits Coaching

Mariano Puerta quit as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s coach via text and flew to Miami during the 2026 French Open.
Puerta sent the message two to three hours after lunch, stating he would not continue.
Fokina then lost to unseeded Argentinian Agustín Tirante 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-1, 6-3 in the second round.
Puerta, a former World No. 14, received an eight-year ban for a 2005 etilefrine positive, later cut to two years.

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