- Brazilian Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva played in qualifying
Brazilian tennis star Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva created history at Melbourne Park on Monday when he became the first openly gay man to compete at the Australian Open.
The world No.206 lost to Portugal’s Henrique Rocha in the first round of men’s qualifying and insisted he isn’t a trailblazer after the match.
‘I posted a picture [on social media] with my boyfriend at the time,’ Reis Da Silva told the Sydney Morning Herald when reflecting on why he chose to come out.
‘I received a lot of good messages, people supporting me and telling me that I’m an inspiration for them.
‘[But] I just want to focus on tennis and improve my game.’
Historically, men’s tennis has had no openly gay players, but Reis Da Silva believes that may not reflect the reality on tour.
Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva (pictured left) created history at Melbourne Park on Monday when he became the first openly gay man to compete at the Australian Open
The world No.206 from Brazil lost to Portugal’s Henrique Rocha in the first round of men’s qualifying (pictured)
Men’s tennis has historically had no openly gay players, but Da Silva believes that may not reflect the reality on tour
Rising Swiss tennis player Mika Brunold also revealed his sexuality last November
‘I think there are other gay players, but they are not open,’ he said.
Da Silva confirmed he was gay in December of 2024, and rising Swiss tennis player Mika Brunold also revealed his sexuality last November.
‘It doesn’t just mean loving the same gender – it also means dealing with things most people never have to think about,’ part of Brunold’s lengthy Instagram post read at the time.
‘The fear of not being accepted, the pressure to stay quiet, the feeling of being different. But I’ve grown. And I’m proud of who I am.
‘I’m sharing this to take a step for myself, but also because I think it’s not talked about enough in sports.
‘I believe that in an ideal world, we wouldn’t even need to ‘come out’ at all.
‘I’m deeply grateful for everyone who supported me. Without you, I would never be the person I am.’
In women’s professional tennis, Russian-born Daria Kasatkina is the most high-profile openly gay active player.
Kasatkina switched her national allegiance to Australia in March last year.
