Joao Lucas Reis da Silva Makes History as First Out Gay Active Professional Men’s Tennis Player

Joao Lucas Reis da Silva Becomes the First Active Openly Gay Professional Men’s Tennis Player

Joao Lucas Reis da Silva, a 24-year-old Brazilian tennis player, has made history by becoming the first openly gay active professional men’s tennis player. The significant moment came after he shared a social media post on December 7, celebrating the birthday of his boyfriend, Gui Sampaio Ricardo, a model and actor. In doing so, Reis da Silva not only expressed his love and affection for Sampaio but also took a brave step forward in a sport that has seen very few openly LGBTQ+ players.

Reis da Silva’s announcement was simple yet powerful, as he wrote a birthday message for his boyfriend, saying, “I love you,” alongside a picture of them together. What followed was an outpouring of support from fans and fellow players alike. Among the messages of praise was one from Thiago Monteiro, a fellow Brazilian and former world No. 61. The positive reaction from the tennis community shows how far the sport has come in embracing inclusivity and respect for personal identity.

Reflecting on the post in an interview with The Athletic, Reis da Silva explained that he had not initially thought of the magnitude of the moment. He shared, “I didn’t think about it… I just wanted to post a picture with him. I was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s my boyfriend’s birthday. Like happy birthday. I love you.’ And then, boom!” The casualness of the post highlights how natural and unremarkable being open about his sexuality felt to him. He added, “It was so normal for me that I didn’t think about it.”

Currently ranked No. 376 on the ATP Tour, Reis da Silva has been on an upward trajectory in his tennis career. He recently won a wild-card play-off, earning him a spot in the qualifying draw of the 2025 Rio Open, where he will get the chance to debut on the ATP tour. This is a significant milestone in his career, as Reis da Silva has worked his way up from just outside the Top 200 in the ATP rankings last November.

Reis da Silva also spoke candidly about how coming to terms with his identity has positively impacted his life. “When I tried to love myself, that was something different. It changed my life, changed everything, the relationship with my parents, with my coaches,” he said. This statement underscores how vital self-acceptance has been for Reis da Silva’s personal growth, both on and off the court.

Though the ATP Tour has never seen an openly gay male player during his active career, the sport has witnessed similar announcements in the past. Brian Vahaly, a former world No. 57 and current USTA Chairman, came out as gay in 2017, though his announcement came after his retirement. Reis da Silva’s courage, however, marks a historic moment in men’s tennis, as he breaks new ground for future LGBTQ+ athletes in the sport.

Joao Lucas Reis da Silva’s openness and courage have made him a trailblazer in the world of tennis. As he continues his career, his impact on the sport goes beyond just his performance on the court. He is now a symbol of inclusion and self-expression, offering a powerful example for future generations of players, fans, and LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere. With his debut at the Rio Open and his newfound status as a role model, Reis da Silva’s journey in tennis is just beginning, but it is already shaping up to be one of great significance.