In a significant move towards inclusivity, approximately 60 male tennis players have participated in an anonymous survey focusing on LGBTQ issues within the sport. This initiative, spearheaded by ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli, is part of a larger effort to cultivate a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all players and staff on the ATP Tour.
Calvelli highlighted the unusual absence of openly gay players on the tour, stating, “In today’s world, this is an area worth taking a proactive approach.” He stressed the importance of identifying any cultural or behavioral barriers that might prevent players from being open about their sexuality.
The survey, which includes over 30 questions, was distributed via email to around 500 singles players and 250 doubles players in August. The ATP aims to wrap up the survey by the end of September, as confirmed by ATP spokesman Mark Epps. Additionally, the tour is seeking volunteers for in-depth, one-on-one interviews.
Collaboration with Pride Sports
This survey was developed in collaboration with Pride Sports, a UK-based organization dedicated to combating homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in sports. Pride Sports partnered with researchers from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, to help design the survey.
Erik Denison, a behavioral science researcher at Monash, praised the ATP’s proactive stance, noting that it contrasts with the typical reactive measures seen in sports, which often occur under pressure from the LGBTQ community or during crises. He described the ATP’s efforts as a sincere attempt to foster meaningful change beyond mere symbolic actions.
Addressing Homophobia in Sports
Denison acknowledged that homophobia is a known issue in tennis, as it is in many other sports. He pointed out the scarcity of male athletes in U.S. professional sports leagues who have come out publicly while still active, referencing examples from the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB.
Denison believes that the survey itself can serve as a catalyst for cultural change by encouraging players to reflect on LGBTQ issues. “I don’t know how many straight guys wake up and think: ‘I wonder if gay people are all right in tennis?’” he remarked.
Survey Insights and Future Steps
The ATP’s questionnaire includes references to research from the International Olympic Committee and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, highlighting how an unwelcoming sports culture can adversely affect the mental health and performance of gay and bisexual athletes.
The survey questions delve into players’ sexual orientation, their perceptions of jokes about race, sexuality, and gender within men’s tennis, and their attitudes towards openly gay players. Participants are also asked about their views on sponsorship earnings for gay players and the level of discomfort among professional tennis players with a gay colleague.
Upon completion of data collection, Monash University will conduct a statistical analysis and provide the results to Pride Sports, which will then offer recommendations to the ATP for potential programs. Calvelli emphasized the importance of maintaining an open mind and seriously considering the recommendations provided.