Christian Garin Hires Former French Open Finalist (And Doper) Mariano Peurta As Coach

Christian Garin has hired 2005 French Open finalist Mariano Puerta as his new coach. Garin was coached by Franco Davin previously but the partnership ended in September.

In 2021, Garin reached the fourth round at the French Open and Wimbledon. He is already ranked within the Top 20 in the world with an eye on the Top 10 in 2022.

Christian Garin won the 2013 boy’s French Open title beating Alexander Zverev. While Zverev has consistently made deep runs at grand slams, Garin’s success has been modest in contrast. Garin is hoping that Puerta can help him win a grand slam.

Puerta won three ATP titles in his career and reached a peak ranking of world number 9 in 2005. Puerta was suspended multiple times in his career for doping. In  2005, he tested positive for the use of cardiac stimulant etilefrine and was suspended for two years.

In addition to his doping suspension, Puerta had to return the $887,000  in prize money he had earned. This put him in bad financial shape. In 2009, he declared bankruptcy in a Buenos Aires court.

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Why Next Gen ATP Finals Offers No ATP Points

Next Gen ATP Finals does not offer any ATP points, just prize money. That’s for many reasons. The tournament features the best 21-and-under players of the season, whereas the other ATP tournaments have no age limitations. It will be unfair to aware points to 21-and under players if older players cannot compete at the tournament.

ATP points are awarded to players only  if the tournament is open to all players. That’s not the case with the Next Gen ATP Finals. Next Gen tournament is more like an exhibition tournament where the ATP can showcase young players who may become future stars. Next Gen ATP Final winners in recent years include Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jannik Sinner.

Similarly, the Olympics, where participants are picked based on their nationality, does not provide any ATP or WTA points. If a player comes from a country with deep tennis talent, they may not qualify for the Olympics because countries are limited on how many players they can send to the Olympics.

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