Legendary tennis figure Billie Jean King believes tennis needs to be more accepting in order for a male professional player to come out as gay on the Tour.
The 76-year-old WTA co-founder is one of the most prominent members of the LGBT community to ever play in the sport after being outed by a publication back in 1981. Becoming one of the first prominent athletes in the world to do so. Her resume includes 12 Grand Slam singles titles and a further 27 in the doubles.
Since King, there has been a various other LGBT role models in the sport including Martina Navratilova, Amilie Maureasmo, Gigi Fernandez, Sam Stosur and Alison Van Uytvanck. However, on the men’s side it is a somewhat different situation with there being no openly active gay players. A small number have come out after retiring, including former top 100 player Brian Vahaly. In King’s view, the reason for this is down to acceptance.
“One of the reasons why men have such challenges is because the other men give them such a bad time,” she replied to a question asked by UbiTennis during an ITF live stream announcing the launch of the Billie Jean King Cup.
“We need to make it accepted and also celebrated when somebody is their authentic self.”
It is unknown as to if there are any closeted male players on the Tour but statistically there is a strong possibility. At present there are more than 2000 players around the world who have an ATP ranking. King has hailed the sport for the positive steps that have been taken over the years with initiatives such as Nick McCarvel’s LGBTennis nights. Although she stresses that it is important to keep speaking out.
“We need to keep breaking down these barriers and I pray that some day the first male will speak out and come out and start change in the men’s side,” she said.
“I must say it is so much better than it was back in the seventies. With marriage equality in some countries it’s huge, it’s changing but we will have a very long way to go.’
“We must keep speaking out and doing the right things. Everyone needs to be kinda good to each other.”
Tennis stars such as Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have previously spoken out in support of a player should they decide to come out. In a recent interview with Pride Life, Andy Murray says he has never witnessed homophobia but admits there is a possibility it could happen if players come out.
“I wouldn’t say that I have heard it in the locker room. If more gay men came out it’s something you might see more of potentially,” he said.
“There have been a few things said in articles I’ve read where players have made homophobic comments, but I’ve not been in the presence of anyone when they have made homophobic comments in the locker room.”
King’s call for acceptance of celebration occurred on the same day the Fed Cup was renamed in her honour. It is the first time in history a tennis team event has been named after a female player.
