Former American tennis player and doubles legend Pam Shriver, along with an unknown player, formally lodged complaints last week with the WTA Tour’s safeguarding director regarding Rafael Font de Mora, who was recently appointed as the coach of American youngster Peyton Stearns.
Peyton Stearns’ Coach, Rafael Font De Mora, Under Scrutiny After Facing Misconduct Allegations From Pam Shriver
Stearns made a strong Australian Open run, opening with a commanding straight-sets win over former champion Sofia Kenin, then defeating Petra Marčinko in another straight-sets victory, before eventually falling to compatriot Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round.
But beyond Stearns’ Australian Open exit, her coach, Font de Mora, has become the focus of another major story. According to The Athletic, the WTA is investigating complaints alleging misconduct and inappropriate relationships during his previous coaching stints on the tour.
The Spaniard took over as Stearn’s coach at the start of 2026 and found himself at the center of a controversy now. The second former player who lodged a complaint requested anonymity, citing fears of retaliation and the importance of maintaining relationships within the tennis community. Sources said the allegations were raised now in response to Font de Mora’s return, motivated by the need to protect Stearns and other players.
The Athletic has reported that the WTA is investigating Peyton Stearns coach Rafael Font de Mora after complaints from Pam Shriver and 1 other former WTA player that remains anonymous but they worked with him early in her career.
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Shriver’s complaint focuses on Font de Mora’s past relationship with Meghann Shaughnessy, whom he coached in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The former world No. 3 also revealed that she encountered Font de Mora in Melbourne during the 2026 Australian Open and subsequently reported his history to the WTA.
Meanwhile, the second anonymous player detailed troubling behavior by the Spanish coach during her time under his guidance, describing instances of aggressive and abusive conduct, including verbal attacks.
Amid the growing complaints against the Spanish coach, Shaughnessy has denied any wrongdoing on his part. She declined to comment further for this story, only confirming that she and Font de Mora were never married. Moreover, Font de Mora has also denied any wrongdoing.
Much of what Shriver reported to the WTA is already public, primarily concerning Shaughnessy’s past with Font de Mora. Alongside that, the American legend approached the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the body overseeing athlete safety.
