Out Tennis Player João Lucas Reis da Silva Wants to Focus On The Game

João Lucas Reis da Silva, a 25-year-old Brazilian, became the first openly gay male athlete to compete in a Grand Slam event when he played in the US Open qualifying rounds in New York. This milestone is particularly significant in a sport where openly gay male players have been virtually absent at the professional level, making his participation a landmark event for both tennis and LGBTQ+ visibility in sports .

Reis da Silva’s journey to this point began in December 2024, when he publicly came out via Instagram. He posted a heartfelt birthday message to his partner, Brazilian actor and model Gui Sampaio Ricardo, writing, “Happy birthday. Happy life. I love you so much,” alongside photos of the couple. The post was met with an outpouring of support from fans, fellow players, and tennis figures, including fellow Brazilian pro Thiago Monteiro .

Despite losing in the first round of the US Open qualifiers to Belgium’s Alexander Blockx, Reis da Silva's presence at the tournament has been widely hailed as a major step forward for inclusivity in men’s tennis. Until his debut, the ATP Tour had never featured an openly gay active male player; previous players such as Brian Vahaly came out only after retiring .

Although Reis da Silva’s visibility is being celebrated as a turning point for LGBTQ+ athletes, he has expressed a strong preference to focus on his athletic career rather than assume a public role as an example for others. In interviews, he has stated, “I didn’t think about it… I just wanted to post a picture with him. It was so normal for me that I didn’t think about it” .

Reis da Silva has shared that the openness has helped him feel more relaxed and confident both on and off the court. However, he emphasizes that his primary goal is to be recognized for his skills and performance as a tennis player, not for his sexual orientation. He has remarked, “I’m really happy that people respect me, that people look at me, admire me maybe. When I tried to love myself, that was something different. It changed my life, changed everything—the relationship with my parents, with my coaches" .

For Reis da Silva, being out is simply about authenticity, not activism. He has indicated that while he understands the significance of representation, he wants his career to be defined by results and progress on the court. His stance reflects a broader conversation in sports about the balance between visibility and personal ambition for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Born in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, on March 26, 2000, Reis da Silva began playing tennis at age three, inspired by his older brother. By age 10, he was competing in national tournaments, and at 13, he moved to São Paulo to further his training before eventually relocating to Rio de Janeiro. Currently, he trains with the Tennis Route team in Rio, supported by a network of coaches and physiotherapists .

On court, Reis da Silva is known as a solid but aggressive baseliner, with particular strength in his backhand and return game. His hard work paid off in June 2025, when he won his first ATP Challenger Tour singles title in Santa Fe, Argentina, defeating local favorite Lautaro Midón. This victory propelled him to a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 222 in August 2025 .

Off the court, Reis da Silva enjoys spending time at the beach, playing video games like League of Legends, and relaxing with friends and family. He remains closely connected to his roots in Recife, frequently visiting the beaches near his hometown .

Reis da Silva’s coming out is part of a slow but crucial shift toward greater LGBTQ+ representation in professional men’s tennis. While women’s tennis has seen a number of out athletes, including Daria Kasatkina and Greet Minnen—who in 2023 became the first two out gay players to face each other in a professional match—the men’s game has lagged behind in visibility .

Tony Hagen, from the Gay Tennis Podcast, commented to QNews that Reis da Silva’s participation “marks a significant step towards greater LGBTQIA+ representation and acceptance. In men’s tennis, openly gay athletes have been extremely rare. His participation helps break down stigma and pushes the sport toward greater inclusivity and diversity” .

Many LGBTQ+ advocates note that while Reis da Silva may not wish to be an example, his presence inevitably challenges the heteronormative culture that has persisted in men’s tennis. The fact that he is the only currently out gay man on the ATP Tour underscores the ongoing need for safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ athletes, where sexuality does not overshadow sporting achievement.

Reis da Silva’s focus remains firmly on his development as a professional tennis player. He has set clear goals for his future, including breaking into the ATP Top 170 and competing in the qualifying rounds of the Australian Open. As he continues to climb the ranks, he hopes to be recognized for his dedication and skill, while also living authentically .

His story illustrates both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the quest for LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. While Reis da Silva may not seek to be a symbol, his quiet authenticity is, in itself, a powerful act—offering new possibilities for what it means to be an elite athlete and out.