Joao Lucas Reis da Silva has made history as the first openly gay, active male tennis player, paving the way for others to embrace their identity in the sport. The 24-year-old Brazilian broke barriers when he shared a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating his boyfriend Gui Sampaio Ricardo’s birthday, unintentionally coming out publicly.
Reis da Silva, currently ranked world No. 401, hopes his decision will inspire other male players on the ATP Tour to come out, fostering greater acceptance within tennis. He reflected on his journey to self-acceptance, revealing how it transformed his relationships and outlook.
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Despite anticipating criticism, the response to his post has been overwhelmingly positive, with support from fans and fellow players like Thiago Monteiro and Feliciano Lopez. Reis da Silva’s bold move marks a significant milestone for inclusivity in tennis, as he continues to champion authenticity and acceptance.
Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva in 2024
LWWWLLWLWW Now ranked no.401, the Brazilian played his last match on the 30th of November when he was overcome by world no.216 Hady Habib 6-3 6-2 in the semifinal of the Temuco Challenger (draw).
This year Joao Lucas Reis owns an overall 24-28 record. Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva’s best performance of this season was getting to the final in the Florianopolis Challenger.
