Davidovich Fokina 'abandoned' by coach mid-French Open

Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina says his coach "abandoned" him midway through his French Open campaign and flew to Miami without saying a word.

The 21st seed was asked in a news conference about reports on France TV that he fired his coach, Mariano Puerta, after an argument following his first-round victory over Damir Dzumhur.

"We didn't fight. Everything was normal," Davidovich Fokina, who lost to Thiago Agustin Tirante in the second round on Wednesday, said.

"After the match against Dzumhur we had lunch and after that I went to cool down.

"He said he was feeling bad and was going to the hotel."

Davidovich Fokina said he received a text message a few hours later from Puerta - runner-up to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in 2005 - which said he "would not continue".

"He didn't say anything to anybody, to the team, he just took the flight and he flew to Miami without saying a word to us," Davidovich Fokina said.

"My wife even called [him] on the telephone, me too, so I don't know.

"He goes on with his life and I with mine. If he acts like this at 45 years old, well, they're his decisions."

Former world number nine Puerta won three ATP Tour titles as a player, but was banned for doping offences in 2003 and again in 2005.

He was hired by Davidovich Fokina in January after the 26-year-old split with Felix Mantilla following a frustrating 2025 season that saw him finish runner-up at four tournaments.

Davidovich Fokina said he did not know if he would reply to Puerta's message.

"I don't wish him badly. I hope things go well if he starts working with another player," Davidovich Fokina added.

"After this they will know to take care and even better that he will abandon them in the worst moment."