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In a heartwarming display of love and authenticity, Brazilian tennis player João Lucas Reis recently took to Instagram to wish his boyfriend, actor and model Gui Sampaio Ricardo, a happy birthday.
This simple yet profound gesture marks Reis as the first active male professional tennis player to publicly acknowledge his same-sex relationship.
Reis, currently ranked No. 401 globally and No. 11 in Brazil, has achieved a career-high ranking of No. 259.
His boyfriend, Gui Sampaio Ricardo, is not only a talented actor and model but also an athlete in his own right.
Ricardo’s recent portrayal in the play “Bent,” which delves into the persecution of gay men in 1930s Germany, underscores his commitment to impactful storytelling.
The tennis community, traditionally viewed as conservative, has seen few male players come out during their active careers.
Brian Vahaly, a former ATP Top 100 player, discussed his orientation a decade after retiring, citing the sport’s conservative environment as a barrier to coming out during his career.
In a 2021 interview, Vahaly shared, “I just didn’t feel safe or included in the sports field. More specifically tennis, it was a very conservative environment.”
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Reis’s public acknowledgment of his relationship reflects a more inclusive atmosphere in sports today.
His fellow Brazilian tennis players have shown support, with the country’s current No. 1, Thiago Monteiro, commenting “Wonderful” with heart emojis on Reis’s post.
Reis’s doubles partner, Pedro Boscardin Dias, also reacted positively, commenting “Beautiful” in Portuguese.
Brazil boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ sports community, with athletes like gymnasts Rayan Dutra, Arthur Nory, and Diego Hypolito proudly representing the nation.
Reis’s openness adds to this legacy, inspiring others to embrace their true selves.
As Reis continues his tennis career, currently competing in the Procopio Cup—a pre-qualifying tournament for Rio de Janeiro’s premier tennis event—his authenticity serves as a powerful example of love and acceptance.
With over 8,100 social media followers, his platform is poised to grow, amplifying his positive influence.
In celebrating his boyfriend’s birthday, Reis not only shared a personal moment but also contributed to a broader narrative of inclusivity in sports.
His journey reminds us of the importance of living authentically and supporting one another in love.
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