Tennis player Joao Lucas Reis da Silva has revealed that he's received a '99.9 percent positive' response to coming out as gay last week. Reis da Silva, who has become the first openly gay, active male tennis pro, disclosed his sexuality when he wished his boyfriend a happy birthday on Instagram.
![[The Brazilian player is ranked 401st in the world for doubles and 367th in singles]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/21/93009101-14199161-The_Brazilian_player_is_ranked_401st_in_the_world_for_singles_an-a-36_1734383612368.jpg)
And in his first interview since he made tennis history, the Brazilian told The Athletic that he's been thrilled by the response to the announcement. 'I'm really happy that people respect me, that people look at me, admire me maybe,' he said. 'I didn't think about it… I just wanted to post a picture with him,' he added of his post, in which he wrote 'I love you so much' to his partner.
![[Reis da Silva, 24, is dating Gui Sampaio Ricardo, a Brazilian actor and model]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/21/93009103-14199161-Joao_Lucas_Reis_left_has_become_the_first_active_men_s_player_in-a-38_1734384039862.jpg)
Reis da Silva, who came out to his family and friends five years ago, also told The Athletic that Brazilian musician Lulu Santos sent him a private message of support. Joao Lucas Reis da Silva (left) came out as gay as he wished his boyfriend a happy birthday.
The Brazilian player is ranked 401st in the world for doubles and 367th in singles. 'It's been a crazy week but in the end it was perfect,' he said. Additionally, Thiago Monteiro - the No. 1 Brazilian tennis player - left a heart emoji in the comments. And Diego Hypolito, a Rio Games silver medalist in gymnastics who is also gay, liked the post.
Reis da Silva's announcement comes seven years after former world No. 57 Brian Vahaly came out as gay. That announcement surfaced 10 years after the American called time on his career. Vahaly has spoken previously about hearing homophobic comments while on tour.
