Though Out magazine’s self-labeled “sports issue” doesn’t live up to its billing (neither the cover photo nor the editor’s letter pertains to sports, there are only two sports-related articles, and one photo shoot had an oddly placed baseball bat), there is a feature on Francisco Rodriguez, an openly gay former pro tennis player who was ranked in the high 300s during his pro career from 2001 to 2006.
Central to the article is a commentary on whether a gay male athlete could come out and survive in pro tennis. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim, former Grand Slam champ Jim Courier, and former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic think he could; Loud-mouthed Justin Gimelstob, who never lived up to his hype, and Rodriguez himself both say no.
One of the reasons Rodriguez gives is that it would be a competitive disadvantage because the other guy wouldn’t want to lose to someone who’s openly gay. I’ve heard this argument before, and I don’t buy it for a second; like someone you played in Wimbledon would suddenly want to win Wimbledon more because of a gay opponent.
The idea riles Ljubicic. “That’s ridiculous. No pro needs extra motivation to win a match. If I play against black, white, Chines, gay, I’m not looking for extra motivation,” he says.
Martina Navratilova told the writer that she thinks a male pro player will come out before 2010. I’m not so sure someone isn’t very out already. As I told the article’s writer when we chatted last year, there are a couple thousand ranked players; if Stephan Franser, the 1,854th ranked player, came out, would anyone notice? Even if it was an American, like 1,512th ranked Matt Brewer, what media outlet would pick up that story? We here at Outsports salute and thank Rodriguez for telling his story, and we’d certainly would love to hear from any tennis pros (former and active) who are gay; chances are even the rest of the gay media may pass over the story.
Rodriguez plays for Paraguay in the Davis Cup. We’ll see how much of an issue it is for him to be out on the court in that venue. –Cyd Zeigler jr.
on Jul 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Justin Gimelstob had hype?
on Jul 7th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Damn, I never really liked Ljubicic before now.
I think Justin knows a couple players who should have been more successful and is blaming “closetness” on their lack of progress or “living up to hype”…
on Jul 9th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
It was a great article in OUT Magazine. Definitely worth the read…
Sort of ironic that Jim Courier was interviewed for the article and then dared to mention the rumors of 2 prominent American male players…
on Jul 11th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Francisco is a great guy and I am so happy that is in a great place in his life! The article was great and I highly recommend reading it!
on Jul 12th, 2008 at 7:48 am
If an openly gay player played againt a homophobe, the homophobe would probably more distracted by the fact of losing to a gay person that he might bring on his own demise.
on Jul 16th, 2008 at 1:22 am
I think he just outed Jan Michael Gambill.
And now it’s certain: Gimelstob is just an *sshole..
on Aug 23rd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
i’m a pro tennis player and I’m gay
and flaming, hehe
well i have one ranking point, and i just started this year, so hopefully ill get up there!
on Sep 11th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I agree that more sports in Out’s sports issue would have been nice. I am a career tennis teaching professional and have coached for 27 years and am glad to welcome Francisco Rodriguez to a very small fraternity. The USTA, to their credit, has recognized me with their most prestigious award and they have also been great to Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova. Welcome to the club Francisco !