In a landmark moment for professional tennis, Swiss player Mika Brunold has publicly come out as gay, becoming only the second active male competitor on the ATP Tour to do so.
A Powerful Personal Statement
The 21-year-old rising star, currently ranked 310th in the world, shared the news in a heartfelt and powerful Instagram post over the weekend. Brunold, who has won three ITF Tour singles titles and reached two ATP Challenger semi-finals in 2025, spoke candidly about his journey.
He described grappling with "the fear of not being accepted" and the "pressure to stay quiet" about his sexuality. However, Brunold emphasised that hiding his true self was never a viable option for him.
"Through all of this, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that success on the court isn’t just about physical skill — it’s about discovering your personality and staying true to yourself," he wrote.
"That’s why I feel it’s time for me to open up and share with you that I’m gay... I’ve grown. And I’m proud of who I am today."
Following a Pioneering Path
Brunold follows in the footsteps of Brazilian player Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva, who made history last year by becoming the first openly gay active player on the ATP Tour. Brunold's announcement marks another significant step towards greater visibility and inclusivity in men's professional tennis.
In his statement, the Swiss athlete highlighted that he was sharing his truth not only for personal reasons but also to spark broader conversation. "I’m sharing this with you to take a step for myself, but also because I think it’s not talked about enough in sports," he explained. "I believe that in an ideal world, we wouldn’t even need to ‘come out’ at all."
Support from the Sporting World
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fellow athletes across the sports spectrum. Four-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Kim Clijsters responded with a heart emoji.
German WTA star Eva Lys, ranked 40th in the world, posted three clapping emojis in the comments. Furthermore, former NBA star Jason Collins, who is openly gay, offered words of encouragement.
"Wishing you all the success & happiness in the world!" Collins wrote. "Congratulations for stepping forward and showing us what true strength, courage, and bravery looks like. All the best."
Brunold's courageous move is seen as a pivotal moment, challenging longstanding stereotypes and providing inspiration for other athletes within the LGBTQ+ community.
