Tennis news

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 8:36 am

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina's coach left him before his second-round loss at the French Open.

In short:

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina said his coach quit by text message after he lost at the French Open.

Davidovich Fokina had lunch with his coach, Mariano Puerta, before Puerta said he was not feeling well.

Then, Puerta quit by text message and flew to Miami without telling the other coaches.

After winning his first-round match, Davidovich Fokina did not expect his coach to leave Paris.

The Spanish player had lunch with his coach before resting for his next match. Puerta said he was not feeling well and went back to his hotel.

Davidovich Fokina said, 'Two or three hours later, he messaged me that he will not continue.'

The Spanish player said Puerta did not tell the other coaches before flying to Miami.

Mariano Puerta quit as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina's coach by text during the French Open.

Davidovich Fokina said, 'I heard that he did that a couple of times before with other players. It seems normal for him.'

Puerta has been a controversial figure in tennis. He was banned for doping twice.

Four months after the 2005 French Open final, Puerta tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended for eight years.

Puerta said he got the substance from a glass of water his wife used to take medicine. But later, he said it came from ginseng and caffeine pills.

Puerta tested positive for a banned steroid in 2003 and retired in 2009.

Davidovich Fokina said, 'I thought he was a good person. It was my fault to hire him.'

Puerta has not commented on Davidovich Fokina's words.

Djokovic beat a local player

Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 against Valentin Royer.

Djokovic said, 'Valentin deserves applause for his game. I hope I don't play more French players.'

Djokovic played in the heat and said it was tough.

Djokovic said, 'The feelings on the court are different when you win.'

AP/Reuters

The ABC of SPORT

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 8:36 am

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 8:40 am

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