'If he acts like this at 45-years-old...': Spanish star bizarrely abandoned by coach

(Getty/Matthew Stockman)

One of the most dramatic coaching splits was made public at Roland Garros involving 21st seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

On another scorching day in Paris, the 26-year-old looked on track for a third round berth after clinching the opening set, only to concede the next three to bow out of the tournament against Argentina's Thiago Agustín Tirante 6-4, 6-7(4), 1-6, 3-6.

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Prior to that, Davidovich Fokina was locked in a brutal five-set battle, where he found himself two sets to one down against the experienced Damir Džumhur, but found a way to survive.

But something that could've led to Davidovich Fokina's distraction in his second round clash was his sudden split with coach and former Roland Garros runner-up Mariano Puerta.

"We didn't fight. Everything was normal," Davidovich Fokina clarified post-match, referring to his match against Džumhur, before adding that the pair went out for lunch afterwards.

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

However, later that day, Puerta sent him a text saying that he "would not continue", as he flew out to Miami without notifying any of his team.

"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.

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

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

Only last month did Puerta heap praise on Davidovich Fokina.

"Tremendous player, tremendous potential," he said. "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.

"The potential he has is impressive, the physical attributes he possesses... but tennis is a combination of three departments: tennis, physical, and mental. In tennis and physically, he is outstanding, while mentally, it's not bad, but it can be improved. If we manage to improve a bit there, it will have a great impact on his tennis and his career."

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