James Ross — "Big Toro"

Coach Rafa,

I have read the expose about you from the NY Times, and as I finished reading this obvious outlandish slander of your character, coaching and integrity as a "HighPerformance" coach and person, I am so disappointed in this article!

Please forward this message to anyone that wants to know about you, as I do!

My son, James, is a 16-year-old "Blue Chip" junior tennis athlete, and he would not be in this position, without your training and guidance. When he was 10 years old, I remember you discussing with him before training, how to conduct himself, and what limits he has as an athlete, which you told him, "He had no limits!" His mother, James and myself, sitting in your office and you explaining the road to his success, with power points, written evaluations, data, changing his grip and swing, and just talking to him, giving James confidence he never had before.

When I see people trashing your character from decades ago, I am so ashamed of these folks, and disgusted. When James dedicated a tournament to your mother, that had just passed away, says it all! Your honor with my son, as well as his parents, have never diminished over the years.

The only reason that we are not still training with you, is due to you training professional players, and your time is limited in Spain. However, you have never stopped sending me messages, training tools, phone calls and providing any assistance for James to excel.

Your mentoring and life skills have been such a blessing for not only our son, but for me!

My prayers are with you and your beautiful family, and if I can assist you in anyway, please advise, and we will be available.

Best regards, James D. Ross

Greetings Rafa — You didn't ask, but wanted you to know. Wanted the WTA to have something from a Mother.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to offer my strongest possible character reference for Coach Rafael Font de Mora.

My family has had the privilege of knowing Rafa for nearly a decade through our son's development as a competitive junior tennis player. During that time, we came to know him not only as an exceptional coach, but as a person of outstanding integrity, professionalism, and character.

Rafa has had a profoundly positive influence on our son — both athletically and personally. His ability to motivate, inspire confidence, and develop discipline in young athletes is truly rare. He teaches far beyond technical tennis skills; he instills resilience, sportsmanship, accountability, and mental strength — qualities that carry into life well beyond the court.

I can say with complete sincerity that our son would not be at his current national level without the foundation Rafa helped build in his earlier years. Even recently, when we had the opportunity to briefly reconnect and train together in Florida this past December, it was clear how lasting and meaningful his impact has been.

One moment that reflects both Rafa's character and the depth of his positive influence occurred several years ago following the passing of his mother. Our son chose to dedicate a tournament he played in Scottsdale, Arizona, to her memory. He went on to win that event and, in a gesture of respect and gratitude, attempted to present Rafa with the championship trophy. Rafa graciously and humbly declined, encouraging our son instead to keep it as a symbol of his own hard work and growth.

Throughout the many years we have known him — including time spent at training environments, tournaments, and around numerous families — I have always observed Rafa to conduct himself with the utmost professionalism and appropriate boundaries.

I give him my highest recommendation without reservation.

Regards, Christina M. Ross