TIMELINE: Why are there no openly gay players in elite men’s tennis?
There are no openly gay or bisexual male players competing for the Grand Slam title, highlighting a dearth of LGBTQ+ players in top-level men’s tennis that contrasts with their growing visibility in other major sports.
Their absence is also at odds with the women’s game, where a string of major stars have come out as lesbian over the years – notably former world number ones, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo.
Brian Vahaly, an American former professional tennis player who came out as gay in 2017, 10 years after retiring, is one of few male players to have done so.
The former world No. 64 said gay players may be discouraged from being open about their sexuality due to the possible impact on “sponsors, fans, family and friendships”.
