LGBTQ+ Players at Wimbledon 2025

A Legacy of Inclusion in Women’s Tennis

Since trailblazers like Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova led the way, women’s tennis has long been a beacon for LGBTQ+ visibility. Their legacy continues today through a diverse group of openly LGBTQ+ players on the WTA Tour. In contrast, the men’s ATP circuit has lagged in LGBTQ+ representation — but that may be changing.

João Lucas Reis da Silva: Breaking Ground in Men’s Tennis

The silence in men’s tennis was notably disrupted in December 2024, when 24-year-old Brazilian player João Lucas Reis da Silva came out publicly via social media, celebrating his partner’s birthday. His heartfelt message marked him as the first active ATP player to come out since the introduction of the Open Era in 1968. Before him, the only prominent figure was former American player Brian Vahaly, who came out in 2017 — a full decade after his retirement from the sport.

Daria Kasatkina: Advocate and New Citizenship

Former world No. 8 Daria Kasatkina came out as gay in July 2022, a courageous step that eventually led her to adopt Australian citizenship in March 2025. A vocal critic of both the war in Ukraine and Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Kasatkina found safety and freedom abroad. She is engaged to Olympic figure skater Natalia Zabiiako as of June 2025. “It’s dangerous for me right now,” she admitted, “but I have no regrets.”

Greet Minnen: Making History On and Off the Court

Ranked as high as world No. 59, Belgian player Greet Minnen made history in 2019 by forming Wimbledon’s first openly LGBTQ+ doubles team alongside Alison Van Uytvanck. The two had made their relationship public on court a year earlier, and while their engagement in 2020 was cause for celebration, they ultimately parted ways in 2021.

Demi Schuurs: A Role Model for the Next Generation

Dutch doubles specialist Demi Schuurs has reached the quarterfinals at both Wimbledon and the US Open. Openly lesbian since her teenage years, Schuurs has embraced her status as a role model. In a 2020 interview with the WTA, she shared, “You only live once, so be happy and don’t stress about who you are.”

Nadia Podoroska and Guillermina Naya: Argentina’s Pride

See this post on Instagram

French Open semifinalist Nadia Podoroska revealed her relationship with fellow Argentine player Guillermina Naya in an affectionate Instagram post in October 2022, where she celebrated Naya’s birthday. The coming-out was met with public praise, including from tennis legend Billie Jean King, who called it an act of bravery.

Emina Bektas and Tara Moore: Love Across the Net

See this post on Instagram

American tennis player Emina Bektas, who broke into the top 100 in 2023, is in a long-term relationship with British player Tara Moore, a former top-100 doubles competitor. Moore was previously known for her relationship with Swiss player Conny Perrin. Both women continue to be prominent figures on and off the court.

Conny Perrin: Balancing Love and the Tour

Swiss player Conny Perrin, a former world No. 134, also made headlines for her romantic involvement with Tara Moore. Speaking to the New York Times in 2017, she opened up about her relationships and how dating someone from the same circuit offered unique understanding and support through the demands of professional tennis.

Latest LGBTQ+ Tennis News

Stay connected with up-to-date stories and profiles from the global LGBTQ+ tennis community, spotlighting athletes who are proudly living their truth on and off the court.