By Richard Pagliaro Monday, December 1, 2025
Photo Credit: Mika Brunold Instagram
Micah Brunold Share gratitude and come out on social media.
The 21-year-old Swiss player announced on Instagram yesterday that he is gay.
Brunold, who is currently ranked No. 310, said, “Hiding my identity and pretending to be someone I’m not has never been an option. That’s why I think now is the time to come out and share with you that I am gay.”
Brunold is the first openly gay active ATP singles player.
“One of the most important things I’ve learned is that success on the court isn’t just about physical skills, it’s about finding your personality and staying true to yourself,” Brunold posted on Instagram.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about how to talk about this. While it’s not always easy, hiding it and pretending to be someone I’m not has never been an option. That’s why I felt it was time to open up to you and share with you that I’m gay.
“Being gay isn’t just about loving someone of the same sex, it’s about dealing with things that most people never consider. The fear of not being accepted, the pressure to stay quiet, the feeling of being different. But I’ve grown and I’m proud of who I am today.
“I’m sharing this with you all to take a step forward, but also because I don’t think this issue is discussed enough in the sports world. I believe that in an ideal world, we would not need to come out at all. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me. Without you, I would never be where I am today.”
“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
grand slam champion Kim Clijsters and Sloane Stephens Both posted red heart emojis in response to Brunold’s coming out Victoria Golubic Post three Purple Hearts of support.
Brunold is the second openly gay ATP professional player in the past 11 months. Brazilian doubles player Joao Lucas Reis da Silva Last winter, he publicly admitted that he was gay, becoming the only ATP player to publicly declare that he was gay at the time.
Current USTA President and former ATP standout player Brian Vahari He made history in 2017 when he suffered a career-ending rotator cuff injury.
