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professional tennis

America’s first Black gay professional tennis player won't be erased

Lendale Johnson tells The Advocate about what it's like to come out more than once, and how she's making tennis more accessible.

To this pro men's tennis player, coming out was 'so normal that I didn’t think about it'

Joao Lucas Reis da Silva surprised fans earlier this month when he posted Instagram photos of himself alongside his partner, Gui Sampaio Ricardo.

She's Got Game

Women's professional tennis has cleared the way for an intersex player to compete on the tour. But with all of the questions her case raises about gender and biology, is women's tennis ready for Sarah Gronert?

WATCH: Tennis Tourney Director Quits After Criticizing Women Pros

A heap of criticism from tennis professionals, including out star Billie Jean King, led to an apology and ultimately a resignation.

Tennis Pros Federer, Murry Say Gay Players Would Be No Problem

Top-ranking men's tennis pros Roger Federer and Andy Murray believe an out gay player in their sport wouldn't be an issue.

Billie Jean King Relives Her Historic Dollar Rebellion for Women

For International Women's Day, learn how this lesbian icon took a stand for fair pay over 50 years ago.

Billie Jean King's name to be added to New York's National Tennis Center

The National Tennis Center in Queens, N.Y., site of the U.S. Open, will be renamed for out tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Out lesbian tennis star Daria Kasatkina flees Russia for Australia: 'I want to be myself'

Daria Kasatkina will be representing her "new homeland" from now on.

Serena Williams Refuses to Play Ball With John McEnroe's Sexist Comments

McEnroe's not sorry he said the "best female"player would be the 700th best on the male circuit. 

Russian Tennis Players Say They've Never Heard of Antigay Law

Four Russian athletes told members of the press in New York this week they haven't heard anything about Russia's nationwide ban on 'propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.' Those who were familiar were loath to speak on the law.

Billie Jean King on Her Legendary Career: 'Pressure Is a Privilege'

The out trailblazer talks about the epiphany she had as a 12-year-old that changed her life.

Match Point

Ten years ago, Amelie Mauresmo came out of the closet after her breakout run to the finals at the Australian Open. Two Grand Slam titles and several dives in the rankings later, is she putting her formidable backhand to bed forever?

Honoring The First Lesbian in Space

Google's doodle pays homage to the first female NASA astronaut, who was revealed to be lesbian following her death.

Navratilova, turning 50, plans full schedule with Slams

Even as she recovers from knee surgery, lesbian tennis superstar Martina Navratilova plans to play a full schedule of doubles tournaments in 2006, including the Grand Slams.

Girl, interrupted no more

Los Angeles Times sportswriter Christine Daniels (nee Mike Penner) announced in an April column that she is transitioning to life as a woman. Her story set a readership record--but it's only just beginning.

Watch the trailer for 'Sally,' the documentary about pioneering lesbian astronaut Sally Ride

Ride flew to fame as the first American woman in space, but her 27-year relationship with Tam O'Shaughnessy became public knowledge only upon Ride's death.

Billie Jean King's Battle of the Sexes Win Was for Everyone

The tennis legend put her reputation on the line for women's equality, but she's always been an intersectional force. 

Kristen Stewart to play lesbian astronaut Sally Ride in 1st lead TV role

Kristen Stewart is headed to outer space in this new limited series.

The New Century

Paul Rudnick's new play is a delightful treat even if it leaves you a little hungry