Peyton Stearns ends coaching relationship with Rafael Font de Mora amid misconduct allegations in the United States

Rising American tennis talent Peyton Stearns has officially ended her working relationship with coach Rafael Font de Mora, following reports of alleged misconduct and inappropriate behavior toward players.

Stearns confirmed the split to The Athletic but declined to provide further details on the reasons behind her decision.

The move comes amid renewed scrutiny of Font de Mora’s past.

He returned to the WTA tour earlier this season after a several-year absence, which coincided with complaints from former players resurfacing about his conduct.

Allegations from Former Players

The Athletic investigation revealed complaints from two former WTA players, including Pam Shriver, a multi-time Grand Slam doubles champion.

Shriver’s report relates to Font de Mora’s past relationship with Meghann Shaughnessy, whom he coached from age 13.

According to reports, Shaughnessy moved into Font de Mora’s home at 14, and the pair became engaged when she was 19.

Shriver, who had her own experience with an inappropriate coach-player relationship, filed the complaint after encountering Font de Mora at the Australian Open in January.

Font de Mora has consistently described the relationship as platonic until Shaughnessy turned 18 and stated they never married.

Shaughnessy herself has not alleged any wrongdoing.

A second, anonymous complainant described aggressive and abusive behavior, including swearing at players and hitting balls aggressively toward them during practice.

Another former student corroborated these claims, noting training sessions that pushed players to the brink of physical collapse.

Both players highlighted that no other coach had subjected them to such extreme conditions.

Coach Responds to Allegations

Font de Mora has denied the allegations, asserting in January that he coordinates training with professional trainers and biomechanists and maintains a positive coaching approach.

He refuted claims of verbal or physical abuse, stating that media questions about the complaints “are statements that are not true.”

Peyton Stearns’ Perspective

Stearns has not publicly made any allegations against Font de Mora.

When asked at the Australian Open if she was aware of his history, she acknowledged awareness but chose not to comment in detail, saying: “Yeah, I mean, it’s been around, but I think right now, just not really going to dive into that, no comment.”

Impact and Consequences

• The split may impact Stearns’ coaching and training plans as she seeks a new team.

• Renewed attention on Font de Mora could lead to further investigations by the WTA or governing bodies.

• Player safety protocols and safeguarding measures are highlighted, potentially prompting policy reviews.

• Former players’ complaints raise awareness about potential abuse and misconduct in professional tennis.

What’s Next?

• Stearns will likely secure a new coach for the upcoming season to maintain her competitive trajectory.

• The WTA may continue reviewing complaints and past conduct of coaches on tour.

• Monitoring of coaching practices may increase to ensure compliance with safeguarding standards.

• Font de Mora’s future involvement in tennis remains uncertain amid public scrutiny.

Summary

American rising star Peyton Stearns has parted ways with coach Rafael Font de Mora amid resurfaced allegations of misconduct toward former players. While Stearns has made no personal claims, former WTA champions have filed complaints about abusive or inappropriate behavior from Font de Mora, whose return to the tour earlier this year sparked renewed attention. The situation underscores ongoing concerns about coach-player relationships and safeguarding within professional tennis.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Peyton Stearns ends coaching relationship with Rafael Font de Mora.

• Font de Mora faces allegations of misconduct and abusive behavior from former players.

• Pam Shriver filed a complaint regarding Font de Mora’s past relationship with Meghann Shaughnessy.

• Additional players described aggressive training and verbal abuse in sessions.

• Font de Mora denies all allegations and emphasizes professional training methods.

• Stearns has not made any public complaints against her former coach.

• WTA safeguarding measures may come under review following renewed scrutiny.

• Stearns will need to identify a new coach to continue her rise in professional tennis.