Greg Slade Comes Out Ahead Of The Australian Open And Wants Other Gay Men To Feel Safer In Tennis
British wheelchair tennis player Greg Slade has come out publicly ahead of the Australian Open, saying the response has been overwhelmingly positive and that he hopes it helps other gay men in tennis feel more comfortable being themselves.
Slade, 23, is a quad wheelchair tennis player and a Paralympic silver medallist, after winning quad doubles silver at Paris 2024 with Andy Lapthorne.
The nerves were real, then the messages rolled in.
Slade told the Press Association he had doubts before posting, partly because there are so few out male pros in tennis. He said being among the first can feel heavy, and he worried about how big it might get and whether it could affect his preparation for the tournament.
Then the reaction arrived. Slade said there were “a couple of [negative] things here and there” but compared to “literally thousands” of supportive likes, follows, and messages, the overall response was “largely very, very positive”.
So what made him hit post?
Slade said another player’s coming-out post helped tip him over the line. He pointed to Swiss player Mika Brunold’s Instagram post in November and the supportive comments that followed, saying it prompted his own decision.
Sky Sports also notes Slade’s announcement followed those of Brazilian player Joao Lucas Reis da Silva, who played in Australian Open qualifying, and Brunold.
Slade has committed to working with Pride In Tennis, a British network for LGBTQIA+ players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans, to help build visibility and awareness in the sport. He says he would be happy if his story helped even one person, including players at club level who do not feel comfortable being open.
