I know this topic has been discussed regularly in the past but I was just wanting to get updated on any information about out, or otherwise, players on the circuit.
This usually brings a stack of comment about Jim Courier but that has all been covered previously.

Any info guys??

I don't know of any who are out, but rumors abound. This has been ground gone over before on this board. You can search the Discussion Board archives to see what has been said.

Hello down there Xanthos.

Since you're new I did a little search for the subject of "tennis" in the "Gays in Sports" section on the board.

Basically there's lotsa smoke but no fire.

There are a few interesting comments in this preamble to a non-coming out of a non-major athlete and this general discussion about gays in sports is interesting.

The closest thing to talk of a gay tennis player is this thead in which a poster talks candidly about his experience as a college player.

I suppose you are familiar with the talk about one famously tattooed aussie tennis player who sports Alexander the great on his shoulder. He's said he has it because Alexander was Greek, conquered the world, AND was gay.

Hope to hear more from you Xanthos. By the way, are you catching any of the gay games?

Did Vilas ever marry? He was a poet, you know. I'm pretty sure Pat Rafter is straight. After all, he refused my marriage proposal several times. Of course I didn't go the whole romantic route -- I just screamed it down from the grandstand.

Hi Xanthos

It great to see a fellow Australian joining the board.

Welcome, Xanthos.....

There are some speculated gay guys on tour, but unfortunately no concrete evidence is there for us to know for sure. Of course, we all suspect anyone who does not publicly have a g/f (Jan-Michael ), but just like other pro athletes, it's difficult to know unless they publicly acknowledge it....

Again, welcome to the board, Xanthos!

Welcome X,
I think there is a guy that was going to try to break into the pro's in tennis. There was an article about him on the front page of Outsports. I don't know if he ever made it or not.

Once again, Welcome to the board.

Welcome, X. Wish I was coming down there for the Games. (sigh)
Just an aside to Brad, JMG has a 6 foot tall blonde girlfriend from Washington that he has been with for quite some time, allegedly. He was tooling around the DC tournament with her this year, so I got a good look at her. Looks just like Barbie. Trust me, I thought that he was pinging the gaydar last year -- especially with that pinky ring that he was sporting (on court!) for a little while, but alas...
This year's questionable guy was Noam Okun. I can't really point to why, but he was giving off an interesting vibe.

Thanks for the info dun..... I'm now disappointed and broken hearted...

Bradmphs maybe you shouldn't be broken-hearted yet!

I saw JMG interviewd, on cable, a few weeks ago from a tournament in Hong Kong, I believe, and the interviewer asking him general questions asked if he was having a good time in Hong Kong. JMG said that he was just hanging with his best mate, and doubles partner Graydon Oliver, and they were just doing things and having fun together. I checked on the profile of Graydon and he is not at all unattractive!!

ok ok ok wishful thinking I suppose

That's interesting that you would mention that. I have often wondered who in the world is G. Oliver and why JMG would pick him as a doubles partner. I'll have to be sure and check them out at the ATP stop in Memphis in February......

Thanks for the info!

saw them play together in houston.

oliver is NOT unattractive. he's also the better doubles player despite being a "no-name". draw your own conclusions...

Graydon and JMG played doubs together here in DC. Graydon is quite attractive, actually. What is especially attractive about Graydon is his personality. He is "that guy" at the party who is charming and friendly to everyone. He got plenty of the girls (and some of the boys) all hot and bothered -- surprisingly moreso than JMG, who is much more shy and stand-offish.
Maybe they are secretly hot tubbing together, but I just didn't get that impression. I don't want to kill anyone's fantasy just because that hooker Mandy Moore is sleeping with mine... but I am not bitter.

Any info on Andy Rodick- gay, bi or straight? I think he might be bi. He likes to show off his boxers, trail and pits for his following. I also noticed he likes to shave his trail..hmmm.

Josh

[quote]Originally posted by tzeile29:
i haven't any new info on gay tennis players....

i just wanna give ya a warm welcome!

((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))

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Dream on, Josh. Your speculation is humorous but clearly founded on nothing but wishful thinking. In fact, implying that he's bi because he takes his shirt off sometimes is pretty ridiculous...

Maybe..Hmm.. something about Andy makes me think he is at least bi. Maybe it is shaving of his trail downward- not many straight guys do that. Anyhow, if it is just a dream, then a pleasant one at that.

Josh


[quote]Originally posted by bryan d.:
Dream on, Josh. Your speculation is humorous but clearly founded on nothing but wishful thinking. In fact, implying that he's bi because he takes his shirt off sometimes is pretty ridiculous...

---

I started this topic because I was genuinely curious about ranked tennis players who were gay or purported to be so.I suppose until such time as we see the polaroids it is pure supposition.

Jan- Michael Gambill and Andy Roddick have been discussed, as usual, but players I find with more interesting personas are namely: Max Mirnyi of Belarus, Tommy Rebredo of Spain, Marat Safin of Russia, Xavier Malisse of Belgium and Ivo Hueberger of Switzerland.

All again wishful thinking, I know, with no evidence but there surely is no harm in a bit of healthy fantasizing!!!!!

Actually, I am participating in tennis here for Team Sydney at the Gay Games, Sydney 2002, and there are some gorgeous men from both Team London and Team Atlanta equal to all the above......hey why am I wasting this time at the computer. Bye

Outsports did a story on a gay college player Shawn Hiatt. Though I can't find the link to itthis one from another site has the same information.

I don't know whether he pursued his goal of going to Europe to become pro but if this is the same guy seeking a
coaching positon in Texas he may have made a career change or diversion.

It's important that he came out relatively late in life, in his 20's, and it delayed his promising development as a player.

One can only imagine how many more gay pro athletes there might be if high school sports were a safe place to come out. The ability to concentrate on your sport rather than sexual preference, or other arbitrary personal characteristics, is a significant advantage for those who don't have that problem.

Xanthos,

When does the tennis start? Good luck. Wish I were there.

Have no idea if Andy Roddick is str bi or gay. His game is BIG. But he has been at the Colusium nightclub in Ft Lauderdale twice in the last month. Coli is a well known gay club near the ft luad airport. Big with the younger gay and bi crowd. He was hanging with a small group of guy's and one female. fyi...

I had heard that Andy liked to frequent gay clubs-would think he is probably bi if he is being seen with a girl at these places. In any case he is a talent on the court whether straight or bi- but if bi, I hope he comes out soon.

Josh


[quote]Originally posted by dustin:
Have no idea if Andy Roddick is str bi or gay. His game is BIG. But he has been at the Colusium nightclub in Ft Lauderdale twice in the last month. Coli is a well known gay club near the ft luad airport. Big with the younger gay and bi crowd. He was hanging with a small group of guy's and one female. fyi...

---

I have always thought that Jurgen Melzer of Austria might be gay and I became even more suspicious after watching him play last year at the Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston. During one of his matches the camera kept showing a very young and handsome guy that was in his "box" or "camp" and he was never described as being Melzer's coach by the commentators. Maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part. The guy was probably just a friend, relative, or hitting partner.

It would be so great if a male tennis player came out and was open about his sexuality like Navratilova and Mauresmo.

Dedric, I hear you and I agree. I am not sure exactly who I think may be gay in the mens' camp, but I suspect there could be a few who are bisexual at the very least. Not sure exactly who, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few big names who were at least bi.

My theories: Jan-Michael Gambill; Jim Courier; Gustavo Kuerten; Andy Roddick.

Men players will not come out for a few reasons! 1. They won't want to lose their endorsements. 2. It is still more "acceptible" for lesbians to be out because straight men still are in most corporate positions and they have that stupid fantasy about 2 women, but 2 men is "disgusting." to them! 3. Men still draw more of a crowd and the straight, male fans would be very vocal and cruel, at least at the U.S. Open!

Sad but true!

[ February 12, 2005, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: playerten73 ]

I've always thought that though he purports a very strong religious faith, that Michael Chang could be gay.

It sucks that in this day and time and especially in a non-contact sport, that pro athletes cannot "come out".

It seems like it would be easier for a pro tennis, golf players to come out without the on-field fear of being attacked.

It just goes to show that the on-field threats may be less a factor than have been indicated by Billy Bean and Esera Tuaolo.

Coming out in the public eye is just plain difficult.

playerten73,

I have also had my suspicions on Courier. It would really be nice if he were gay and came out because he was once a top player, is or will be in the Tennis Hall of Fame, and is now a commentator and sometimes a Davis Cup coach.

By the way, Courier is one of my favorite tennis commentators. I also like an Englishman by the name of John Barret(last name may be mispelled). He has been a commentator for several matches that air on the tennis channel. I love John Barret because of his choice of words and figures of speech. For example, in reference to a match that Roddick was playing very well in, he said the following, "Roddick is picking winners like ripe cherries off of a tree."

Dedric

sorry guys but it's not courier....he has/had a hot girlfriend in chicago and plays at my club when he is in town. I agree he is one of the better commentators.

as far as Gambill....that's wishful thinking on everyone's part including me. i'd also wish for kiefer and robredo.....damn i love the practice courts at tournaments!

Always so much speculation!!!Who really knows?

Foredecker I did see Courier out a couple of times at a gay pub in Melbourne, having a few a beers, during the Australian Open. He was with a couple of friends who I guess were American as they were wearing the A & F uniform. Just had a few drinks then left. Interesting I suppose but he is not on my radar.

Couriers's commentating down here for Channel 7, in tandem with John Alexander, was excellent. He does, however, have this very camp saying after a clean winner- "gorgeous, oh!..... just a gorgeous shot", have never heard that before, very funny.

dedric, John Barrett is probably the doyen of current broadcasters, works primarily for the BBC but also for cable channels and the local broadcaster here for our summer season. I met him a few years ago in Melbourne at a sponsors event eloquent, knowledgeable, he is now 74 and married to Angela Mortimer who won Wimbledon in the 1950's or 60's.

[ February 13, 2005, 03:13 AM: Message edited by: xanthos ]

xanthos,

Thank you for the info on John Barret. He is one person that I would love to meet.

Dedric

maybe Jimmy C was just having a good time..LOL

I agree the speculation is kind of tiresome....but some of those guys should be gay just by percentages. I think that high profile gay athletes could make life easier on the rest of us. I realize it is an awful lot to ask.

anyway its fun to fantasize

foredecker, you didn't just make a typicallly hetero mistake did you???

"No, he can't be gay, cuz he has a girlfriend"

LOL
I actually don't know the person you are talking about, but I had to respond

you have a very good point!

If I had my choice, I would want it to be Jonas Bjorkman. But, alas, those beautiful legs wake up every morning next to his wife in their big home in Monte Carlo.

You'd think within the top 50 there would be a few. It's a fun guessing game. My picks would be:

Gustavo kuerten: He's pretty protective of his private life. And, I've never seen a girlfriend or super model hanging out in his entourage box. Usually his coach, brother, or mom. Then again, this could mean he's not as insecure as the other pros who can't go to a tournament w/o a supermodel or actress tagging along.

Magnus Norma: I know he's retired, but I never baught into his relationship with Hingis. They just didn't seem that tight.

Stefan Koubek: I'm stereotyping here but how many straight men have navel rings? I know European men a bit more lax in being fashionably trendy but...

Maybe an earring doesn't mean anything

From looking like Colin Farrell in \"A Home at the End of the World\"..

..he goes as bald as a leatherman singing \"Y-M-C-A\"

But what really pricks my gaydar about Andre Agassi is his vicious homophobia as related in this GLAAD article

There is something a bit odd about that in this day and age.

My pleasure. Oh, and by the way, I think I forgot to post this one.

Given the percentages, there's got to be at least a few gay professional tennis men. Come out, come out, whoever you are! There's something about Courier that makes me wonder, and Roddick seems like he could be if he wasn't so high profile.

As for me, I loves me the idea of a little Ginepri/Gambill action, especially if Ginepri is serving. :-)

Welcome to the board GayRob.

did he really say that? i might need to change my handle soon...

Thanks, Xander! Glad to be here.

Gossip, of course, is fun but I want hard facts. Could someone please tell me, for certain, that Olivier Patience, Tommy Haas and Mariano Zabaleta are absolutely, postively gay.

Polaroids welcome, of course.

watching davis cup.....am i crazy or is lubicic kind of hot? very nice package in those shorts....gotta thanks the wind

foredecker,

I also think Ljubicic is hot. He is very butch and has a very masculine body. Unfortunately, I don't think he is gay.

Dedric

dedric....no it appears that he isn't, damn wedding ring, but I can still admire!

I thought Courier was silently out? He was a for sure on my list. Also hear alot of buzz about Mark Philippoussis. Did I even come close in the spelling? Any one with that many s's must be a little queer.

[ March 12, 2005, 01:17 PM: Message edited by: StPtGator ]

\"Philippoussis\" is right, but the rumors are probably generated by the comment he made when asked why he had Alexander the Great's face tattoed on his right shoulder. The jury is still out - pardon the pun wink - on that one but we can always hope.

Mark Philippousis must be gay--he dated Gabriela Sabatini once! She is known to "date" questionable guys (ie Ricky Martin, Brady Anderson.) Poor Gaby--just get with a girl already!

What about Mardy Fish? They did a thing on him on the Tennis Channel and he has a male roommate. Why does Mardy Fish need a roommate? Hmmm

Honestly a lot of younger guys room together in the post-college age.

Bachelor pads get boring after a while. Since MArdy is on the road all the time, why not have a buddy stay at his place and keep things up and remain lived in.

Sadly I very much doubt that any of them would ever come out. It just seems to be one of those sports where the men feel they have to be men - or whatever straight guys say. I reckon we'll all be a lot older when one decides to make a breakthrough. So strange though that in the history of the sport, only Bill Tilden has ever been known. I can't think that any other mainstrame sports has had as few as that - on the men's side obviuously.