Davidovich Fokina loses coach Mariano Puerta at French Open

Spanish tennis player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was unexpectedly left without a coach during the French Open after his mentor, former finalist Mariano Puerta, abruptly departed the tournament without an in-person explanation. The 26-year-old, seeded 21st, confirmed the sudden exit following his second-round loss to Thiago Agustin Tirante.

Davidovich Fokina detailed that after his five-set first-round victory on Sunday, he and Puerta had a normal lunch together. Puerta stated he was feeling unwell and was returning to his hotel. Two to three hours later, the player received a lengthy text message from Puerta stating he would not continue as coach. According to Davidovich Fokina, Puerta then boarded a flight to Miami without informing any other members of the team.

The Spaniard directly denied reports of a training-ground argument, stating their relationship had been good and communication during his first match was normal. He expressed disappointment, saying he had considered Puerta a good person but later learned from others on the professional tour that the Argentine coach had left other players in a similar manner in the past. Davidovich Fokina stated the responsibility for...