On Saturday December 7, Joao Lucas Reis da Silva, a 24-year-old professional tennis player, did something that many people do these days - he posted a couple of selfies on Instagram. It was his partner's birthday, and he wanted to share a sweet moment with him by posing by the water in Rio de Janeiro. "I love you so much," he wrote. This simple act made him a trailblazer - the first out gay active professional male tennis player. But for him, it was just a way to wish his partner a happy birthday.

First International Interview Since Making Tennis History

Reis da Silva told The Athletic Sunday from São Paulo about his experience. 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. This was a great achievement for the world No. 367."He said, 'It's been a crazy week but in the end it was perfect.' After two long injury layoffs, he has played the best tennis of his life lately, reaching the semifinals of a tournament in Chile before this run to the title in São Paulo. Even as he felt the tennis world watching him in a new way."

Overcoming Challenges and Coming Out

The women's tennis tour has had numerous out gay players, but men's tennis has not been this way. Reis da Silva shared that he told his family and friends that he was gay five years ago. "Before that it was tough for me. I couldn't say too much about myself to my coaches or friends. When I started to love myself, it changed my life. It changed everything, including my relationship with my parents and coaches."

Support and Impact

Messages and support from big names inside and outside the tennis world began to pour in. Lulu Santos, a music star in Brazil, sent him a message. Thiago Monteiro, Brazil's current No. 1, added some heart emojis. He even got a like from Diego Hypolito, a gay Brazilian gymnast who won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics. This made him a sports and cultural icon.He said he expected some negative reactions, but the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. "I'm really happy that people respect me and look at me with admiration. It's a big deal for me and them."

Role Model and Future Goals

Reis da Silva said it would have made a huge difference to him to have had a role model in the sport. "When I was 16 or 15, I had problems accepting myself. Maybe if I had seen someone like me competing in the big tournaments, it would have been easier for me. People have told me that I inspire them, and that's a big deal."After the win in São Paulo, he plans to take a week off with his boyfriend in Porto de Galinhas and then spend Christmas with his boyfriend's family in Goiania. After that, he will return to Rio to prepare for some Challenger tournaments and the Rio Open. His big goal for 2025 is to play in the qualifying tournament for Roland Garros and build the tennis life he wants."He said, 'It's an individual sport, so you can be whatever you want. Everybody will accept you.' And he hopes that his story will inspire others in the tennis world and beyond."