Full Breakdown
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina Abandoned by Coach Mariano Puerta at 2026 French Open
5/28/2026, 10:40:37 PM
Core Event & Timeline
- May 23: After a five-set first-round win over Damir Dzumhur, Davidovich Fokina and Puerta had lunch; Puerta said he felt unwell and retired to the hotel.
- ~2–3 hours later: Puerta sent a WhatsApp message: “I will not continue,” then flew to Miami without informing the team.
- May 24: Davidovich Fokina lost to Thiago Agustín Tirante, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-1, 6-3.
Background & Context
Mariano Puerta was the 2005 French Open runner-up, losing to Rafael Nadal. He later tested positive for etilefrine and an anabolic steroid, receiving an eight-year ban reduced to two years after an appeal. Puerta admitted to lying to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to obtain the reduction, later claiming the substance came from ginseng and caffeine pills prepared by his fitness coach.
Impact & Significance
The incident is the first recorded mid-Grand-Slam coach abandonment, prompting debate over professional duties and communication standards. Davidovich Fokina’s second-round loss followed the departure, and he cited mental instability after the coach’s exit. Puerta’s doping past and abrupt behavior may deter players from hiring similarly controversial figures.
Official Statements & Responses
Davidovich Fokina told reporters “there was no fight, everything was normal.” He said Puerta claimed he felt unwell, then texted that he would not continue and left without notifying staff. The Spaniard expressed regret hiring Puerta, noted the coach’s reputation for abandoning players, and confirmed he will continue the tournament with new coach José Manuel Clavet.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentators highlighted Puerta’s pattern of sudden exits, citing prior departures from players such as Brandon Nakashima and Christian Garin. His doping violations intensify criticism, with analysts labeling his conduct “unprofessional” and harmful to player stability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets reported a “heated argument” after the first-round win, while Davidovich Fokina consistently denied any tension. Details of Puerta’s communication with the rest of the staff remain unclear, and Puerta has not issued a public comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the afternoon, like two-three hours later, he texted me a message saying that he will not continue. He didn’t say anything to anybody in the team, he just took the flight and flew to Miami without saying a word to us.” — Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
- “I thought he was a very good person,” — Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
- “Tremendous player, tremendous potential. Whatever you tell him on the court, he is able to do it, like a sponge. He pays a lot of attention, he listens, not everyone does that. He really tries to do what you're telling him, so we have understood each other quite well in a short time,” — Mariano Puerta (April interview)
- “But I did not take any sporting advantage. I don't want to be seen as a deceiver” — Mariano Puerta (CAS interview)
- “He continued by saying that Mariano Puerta has the reputation of abandoning players in dire situations.” — Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
What’s Next
Davidovich Fokina will compete with José Manuel Clavet for the remainder of Roland Garros and upcoming events, while the tennis community watches Puerta’s future engagements and any regulatory response to abrupt coaching withdrawals.
