Saturday, December 7, Joao Lucas Reis da Silva, a 24-year-old professional tennis player, did about the most normal thing anyone does these days. He posted a couple selfie on Instagram.
A Trailblazing Moment
It was his partner’s birthday, so he posted a sweet carousel of them posing by the water in Rio de Janeiro. “I love you so much,” he wrote. The post made him a trailblazer — the first out gay active professional male tennis player — but he was just wishing his partner a happy birthday.
In His Own Words
“I didn’t think about it… I just wanted to post a picture with him,” Reis da Silva told The Athletic Sunday from São Paolo, in his first international interview since he inadvertently made himself a part of tennis history.
A Tennis Career
About an hour earlier, he had won a tournament for the first time in four years, defeating Daniel Dutra da Silva 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 to lift the Procopio Cup and earn a spot in the qualifying at the Rio Open, the ATP 500 event he has played the past two years. Not a bad few days for the world No. 367.
A Newfound Fame
Messages and support from big names inside and outside the tennis world began to roll in. Lulu Santos, a massive music star in Brazil, sent him a message. Thiago Monteiro, Brazil’s current No. 1, added heart emojis to the post. He got a like from Diego Hypolito, a gay Brazilian gymnast who won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
A New Era
Reis da Silva said he expected to receive some negative reactions, but the responses have been “99.9 percent positive.” “I’m really happy that people respect me, that people look at me, admire me maybe,” he said.
A Role Model
Reis da Silva said seeing a role model in the sport would have made a huge difference to him. “When I was 16, 15, I had problems accepting myself. Maybe if I had had someone playing saying, ‘I’m gay, I’m here, I’m competing for the big tournaments,’ it would have been easier for me to accept myself and to love myself. People have told me that. People told me that they admire me. That I inspire people. So it’s a big deal for me and them.
Conclusion
Reis da Silva’s decision to come out and share his personal life with the world has sparked a new era of acceptance and inclusivity in the tennis world. His courage and honesty have inspired countless individuals, and his story serves as a reminder that being true to oneself is the greatest victory of all.
FAQs
Q: How did Reis da Silva feel about being the first out gay active professional male tennis player?
A: He said he didn’t think about it and was just happy to post a picture with his partner.
Q: What is Reis da Silva’s goal for 2025?
A: He wants to play in the qualifying tournament for Roland Garros and build a successful tennis career.
Q: How did Reis da Silva feel about being a role model?
A: He said it would have made a huge difference to him if he had had a role model in the sport, and he hopes to inspire others.
Q: What is Reis da Silva’s favorite shot?
A: He loves to break serves and play big rallies.
Q: What are Reis da Silva’s plans after the win in São Paulo?
A: He plans to take a week off, including a few days of holiday with his boyfriend in Porto de Galinhas, and then spend Christmas with his boyfriend’s family in Goiania.