Brazil’s Joao Reis Inspires Change Through Courage and Tennis

Joao Lucas Reis da Silva, Brazil’s first openly gay professional male tennis player, is reshaping tennis culture while achieving career milestones. With courage and authenticity, he inspires others and redefines representation in the sport.

A Simple Post, A Historic Moment

On December 7, 2024, Joao Lucas Reis da Silva did something millions of people do daily—he posted a photo on Instagram. The post, a heartfelt birthday message to his boyfriend, Gui Sampaio Ricardo, wasn’t meant to make waves, but it did. This simple act of sharing his personal life on a public platform sparked a historic moment in the world of tennis and LGBTQ+ representation.

“I didn’t think about it… I just wanted to post a picture with him,” Reis da Silva told The Athletic. What the 24-year-old tennis player didn’t anticipate was that this casual act of affection would make him the first openly gay active male tennis player in professional history.

The timing was serendipitous. Just hours earlier, Reis da Silva had clinched his first tournament victory in four years, winning the Procopio Cup in São Paulo. This victory earned him a spot in the qualifiers for the prestigious Rio Open, an ATP 500 event. “It’s been a crazy week, but in the end, it was perfect,” he said.

For Reis da Silva, the moment was more personal than political. “I was happy. I had my boyfriend here with me. He was supporting me. My whole team was here,” he shared.

Breaking Silence in a Silent Locker Room

The tennis world has seen openly gay female players like Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova achieve legendary status, but the men’s tour has historically been silent. Past players such as Brian Vahaly and Bobby Blair came out only after retiring, leaving a void of representation for LGBTQ+ male athletes in the sport.

Reis da Silva’s journey to self-acceptance was not an easy one. He first visited his family and friends five years ago. “Before that, it was tough,” he explained to The Athletic. “I couldn’t say too much about myself to my coaches or friends. When I started to love myself, that was something different. It changed my life, everything—my relationship with my parents and coaches.” His personal struggles and eventual triumph over them make his story relatable and inspiring.

He acknowledged the locker room culture in tennis has its challenges. “In the locker rooms and at tournaments, I used to hear things that bothered me,” he said. However, after coming out to those around him, the tone changed. “When they know someone close to them is gay, they stop saying these things. They stop making hurtful comments,” Reis da Silva said.

This shift in attitude highlights a broader potential for change. As he explained, “Maybe if people see someone at the top who is gay, things can change. People might stop saying things they shouldn’t.”

A Tennis Pro with a Mission

Born in Recife, a coastal city in northeastern Brazil, Reis da Silva grew up in a tennis-loving family. Inspired by his older brother, he started playing at age three. By 10, he was already making a name for himself in national competitions; at 13, he made a significant move to São Paulo for intensive training, a decision that would shape his future in tennis.

Reis da Silva’s game reflects his determination. A baseline battler, he describes his service return and backhand as his biggest strengths. “I love to break serves,” he said. “I like to stay on the point, be aggressive with my forehand, and play big rallies.”

His recent success in São Paulo marked the best tennis of his career, and his goals for 2025 are ambitious. He aims to compete in the qualifying rounds for Roland Garros, one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments while continuing to establish himself on the Challenger circuit.

But Reis da Silva also focuses on a more personal mission: to inspire others. “When I was 15 or 16, I struggled to accept myself. Maybe if I’d had someone playing and saying, ‘I’m gay, and I’m here competing in big tournaments,’ it would have been easier for me,” he reflected.

Inspiring a New Generation

Since his Instagram post, Reis da Silva has received an outpouring of support, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community. Messages from fans and high-profile figures like Brazilian music legend Lulu Santos and top-ranked tennis players like Thiago Monteiro have flooded in. “People have told me that they admire me, that I inspire them,” he said. For Reis da Silva, this validation is significant. “It’s a big deal for me and them.” The support from the LGBTQ+ community is a clear indication of the impact of his visibility on inspiring others.

He recognizes that his visibility comes with challenges. “I don’t have a problem being remembered as the great gay tennis player, but I don’t want to talk about it every time, you know?” he admitted. Nevertheless, Reis da Silva hopes his story will pave the way for greater inclusivity in sports. “It’s an individual sport, so you can be whoever you want,” he said. “Everybody will accept you.”

Building a Legacy, On and Off the Court

As Reis da Silva prepares for the 2025 season, he also plans a well-deserved break. A trip to Porto de Galinhas, a picturesque beach town known for its natural pools, is on the agenda. Afterward, he’ll celebrate Christmas with his boyfriend’s family in Goiania before resuming training in Rio.

His journey has already inspired a new narrative for LGBTQ+ athletes in tennis and beyond. Reis da Silva’s authenticity and courage are refreshing in a sport long dominated by tradition. “When I look at where I started and am now, I feel proud,” he said.

Also Read: São Paulo, Brazil to Host 2024 Beach Tennis World Cup

For Reis da Silva, the ultimate victory isn’t just winning matches—it’s helping others find the confidence to be themselves. As he continues to break barriers, he’s making history and shaping the future of tennis.