Tommy Fontova, a friend of mine,
passed away Thursday, October 24, 2002. If you didn't
know Tommy, then you missed knowing one of the world’s
truly great people. I first met
Tommy through junior tennis in and around Cincinnati.
Our friendship grew and
developed over the years. We played many tournaments
together. We played each other a
few times, and I don't think I beat Tommy even once.
He gave me many lessons on how to
be a good tennis player. Young tennis players always
look up to the better junior tennis
players, and I sure looked up to Tommy. The entire
Morrison family became good friends
of the Fontova family over the years. We spent many,
many fun times together. One I
remember best was a big dinner at Chili Willi’s
Mexican Restaurant in Huntington.
Tommy and his family were in Huntington for Tommy
to compete in the Ohio Valley
Championships at Ritter Park. After junior tennis
Tommy and I didn’t see each other as
often as we both grew older and went to college.
However, as my tennis career improved
in college, our relationship was rekindled. He became
my biggest fan. Tommy followed
my career so closely. We would talk on the Internet
for hours about my matches, and our
dreams. He was so selfless in giving his interest,
input and encouragement. During the
winter of 2000, Tommy, his younger brother Luke,
and his father Pedro came to see me
play for the University of Florida in the National
Collegiate Team Indoors in Louisville,
KY. They all cheered me on. There are countless
things like this that Tommy did for me
throughout his life. He knew my every result, and
could talk to me about my every match.
I would always look forward to going to Cincinnati
every year to see Tommy and to play
in the ATP Championships. Tommy not only would be
at my matches, he would watch me
practice. Tommy made me feel like I was #1 in the
world. We all need people like this in
our lives. I cannot tell you how much I will miss
Tommy. I will miss his tireless support
and encouragement. I will miss his laugh and his
smile. You know, I never actually got to
thank Tommy for all that he did for me. He gave
me confidence and support. Tommy was
the antithesis of a fair weathered fan. No matter
if I won or lost, Tommy would be there to
support me.
So this is to Tommy, “Thanks for everything, buddy!
They don't come like you very often.
I will miss you!”
Jeff Morrison