![]() ![]() ![]() Navratilova – who today identifies as a lesbian – had asked journalists not to report on her sexuality, worried that coming out would jeopardise her application for U.S. 1 in 19, was outed as bisexual in a front-page news story. King, the top female player in the world from 1966 to 1968 and founder of the Women's Tennis Association, was outed by her personal assistant and lover in April 1981.Īlthough her lawyers initially denied a relationship between the two women, King called a press conference and confirmed it.Ī few months later, Navratilova, the women's world No. 1980s: In quick succession, two of the biggest stars in women's tennis came out as lesbian – American Billie Jean King and Czech-born Martina Navratilova. Open.Īlthough she was knocked out of the singles in the first round, she later coached Martina Navratilova to two Wimbledon wins. Two weeks later, Richards became the first trans player to compete in the U.S. In August 1977, the New York State Supreme Court ruled in her favour, saying it was "grossly unfair, discriminatory and inequitable, and violative of her rights". She sued the United States Tennis Association for the right to compete, challenging the legitimacy of the test. When she refused, she was barred from competing in the 1976 U.S. 1970s: After being outed as transgender, American professional women's tennis player Renee Richards was asked to verify her sex through a chromosome test. 1 Don Budge, but the criminal conviction meant he was unable to obtain a visa to participate in the U.S. He was freed after campaigning by his friend and rival, U.S. After his 1938 arrest for being in a same-sex relationship with a Jewish actor, von Cramm – who was also reportedly critical of the Nazis – spent six months in jail. 1930s: Despite his popularity and achievements on the court, including winning the French Open twice, German tennis champion Gottfried von Cramm fell foul of the Nazi regime because of his sexuality. Here is a timeline of LGBTQ+ players' participation in professional tennis: It also found overwhelming support for the ATP taking action to combat homophobia. ![]() The survey also indicated a "strong fear of rejection, isolation from others on tour, and loneliness" as being likely barriers to LGBTQ+ players' publicly disclosing their sexuality. Their absence is also at odds with the women's game, where a string of major stars have come out as lesbian over the years - notably former world number ones, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo.Īn Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour survey of players in 2022 found that 75% had reported having heard other players use homophobic slurs, leading the tour to partner with You Can Play, an organisation committed to furthering LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. There are no openly gay or bisexual male players competing at Wimbledon this year, highlighting a dearth of LGBTQ+ players in top-level men's tennis that contrasts with their growing visibility in other major sports. LONDON/MELBOURNE, July 3 (Openly) - Play began at Wimbledon on July 3 with some noticeable absences, including two-time champion Rafael Nadal and Croatian former finalist Marin Cilic, who were both recovering from surgery.īut Nadal and Cilic were not the only ones sitting out the men's draw in 2023, as seven-time Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic attempts to draw level with Australian tennis legend Margaret Court's 24 Grand Slams. Former player says homophobia common in mid-2000s.Women's tour has a number of openly lesbian players.No openly gay players in the men's elite game.No openly gay or bisexual men are playing at Wimbledon, while women's tennis includes numerous LGBTQ+ players * Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation. ![]()
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