Brazilian Tennis Star João Lucas Reis da Silva Named Outsports 2025 Male Athlete of the Year After Historic Coming Out

João Lucas Reis da Silva, a 25-year-old professional tennis player from Recife, Brazil, has been selected as Outsports' 2025 Male Athlete of the Year, recognizing his exceptional performances on the ATP Challenger Tour and his pioneering role as the first active male pro tennis player to publicly identify as gay. Born on March 26, 2000, Reis da Silva began playing tennis at age three, inspired by his older brother, and turned professional after training in São Paulo and later basing himself in Rio de Janeiro with the Tennis Route team. His career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 187 was achieved on November 10, 2025, alongside a doubles ranking high of No. 204 in November 2023, marking him as Brazil's No. 2 singles player.

Reis da Silva's athletic journey includes five ATP Challenger singles finals, with a breakthrough victory at the Challenger Santa Fe in Argentina on June 2025, where he defeated Lautaro Midón 6-4, 6-3 to claim his maiden title. In doubles, he secured two titles, including the 2023 Challenger de Santiago with Pedro Boscardin Dias and the 2025 Punta Open in Uruguay with Gustavo Heide. Despite recent finals losses, such as the November 2025 IGMA Open in Peru to Tomás Barrios Vera, his consistency on clay courts—his preferred surface—has fueled his rise. He also made history by competing in US Open qualifying as the first openly gay male player in a Grand Slam event, losing in the first round to Alexander Blockx but advancing inclusivity discussions.

In December 2024, Reis da Silva publicly came out as gay via Instagram , sharing photos and a birthday message to his partner, Brazilian actor and model Gui Sampaio Ricardo: "Happy birthday. Happy life. I love you so much." This announcement positioned him as the first out active male player on the ATP Tour, a distinction previously held only by retired players like Brian Vahaly, who came out in 2017. Reis da Silva has credited this openness with enhancing his confidence: post-coming out, he noted feeling more relaxed on court, contributing to titles like Santa Fe. The Instagram post garnered widespread support from fans and peers, amplifying LGBTQ+ representation in a sport historically lacking visible queer male athletes.

Reis da Silva's Outsports recognition underscores a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ athletes in tennis, where his visibility challenges norms and encourages authenticity among players. Advocates highlight his story as a turning point, inspiring transgender people, gay men, and others in sports to embrace their identities without fear of career repercussions. In interviews, he describes his aggressive baseline style—emphasizing backhand and returns—while adapting to varied conditions across South America and Europe. Off court, his balanced life, including support from coaches and physiotherapists in Rio, has sustained his progress amid past injuries, like a four-year title drought ended in 2024's Procopio Cup.

Looking ahead, Reis da Silva aims for a top-170 year-end ranking and Australian Open qualifying, blending athletic ambition with advocacy. His journey reflects growing acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals in professional tennis, fostering environments where athletes of all sexual orientations and gender identities can thrive. This honor not only celebrates his 2025 triumphs but signals progress toward a more inclusive sport.