Tennis pro Mika Brunold comes out publicly as gay man: “Pretending to be someone I’m not was never an option”

We all know there must be a number of male tennis pros, some probably pretty famous, who are gay. But no one playing on the main ATP Tour has come out publicly during their playing days.

That’s why it is so courageous that Swiss pro Mika Brunold, ranked in the top 300 this year and currently 307, has publicly announced via Instagram that he is gay.

Hooray!

Last year, Brazilian player Joao Lucas Reis da Silva also came out as gay. He has been ranked in the top 400.

Wishing much success to both players moving forward!

Men’s tennis has never had a top star come out, unlike women’s tennis where Wimbledon champs Martina Navratilova, Conchita Martinez, Amelie Mauresmo were out during their playing years. Billie Jean King was outed by vindictive ex-girlfriend during the final years of her playing career but has since been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality.