Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the Spanish tennis player, experienced an unexpected situation during the French Open. After a challenging five-set victory in the first round, he was surprised by his coach’s sudden departure from Paris.

Davidovich Fokina had lunch with his coach, Mariano Puerta, a former Roland Garros finalist, before preparing for his next match. Puerta informed him that he felt unwell and returned to his hotel. Later, he messaged that he would not continue coaching, leaving Davidovich Fokina without warning before flying to Miami.

Davidovich Fokina, seeded 23rd, revealed that he learned Puerta had left without informing other coaching staff during his post-match press conference after losing to Thiago Agustín Tirante 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-1, 6-3.

Pierta’s past in tennis raises questions. He faced bans due to doping violations. In 2005, Puerta tested positive for a banned stimulant shortly after the French Open final, leading to an eight-year suspension that was reduced to two years. He later admitted to lying to reduce his suspension.

Puerta initially claimed his positive result was from drinking water from a glass used by his then-wife, which had medication containing etilefrine. Fifteen years later, he attributed the drug to ginseng and caffeine pills prepared by a friend of his fitness coach.

Before retiring in 2009, Puerta had also tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid in 2003.

Reflecting on the situation, Davidovich Fokina expressed regret about hiring Puerta and acknowledged his mistake. Puerta has not yet commented publicly on these developments.

More tennis updates can be found on the AP tennis hub.