In a significant move towards inclusivity, approximately 60 male tennis players have participated in an anonymous online survey addressing LGBTQ issues. This initiative, spearheaded by ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli, is part of a broader effort to foster an environment that is inclusive, diverse, and welcoming for all players and staff.
Calvelli highlighted the unusual absence of openly gay players on the ATP Tour, stating, “In today’s world, it’s crucial to take a proactive approach. We need to understand if there are cultural or behavioral barriers that prevent players from being open about their sexuality.”
The survey, consisting of over 30 questions, was distributed via email to around 500 singles players and 250 doubles players in August. The ATP plans to conclude the survey by the end of September, according to ATP spokesman Mark Epps. Additionally, the tour has invited players to participate in one-on-one interviews.
This initiative 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 design the survey. Erik Denison, a behavioral science researcher at Monash, noted the uniqueness of the ATP’s approach, as sports organizations typically respond to external pressure rather than initiating such efforts themselves.
ATP’s Proactive Approach
Denison described the ATP’s initiative as a genuine effort to drive meaningful change beyond symbolic gestures. “Homophobia is a recognized issue in tennis, as it is in many sports,” he stated. The survey encourages players to reflect on topics they might not typically consider, potentially shifting cultural attitudes within the sport.
Publicly coming out remains rare among male athletes in U.S. professional sports. Notable exceptions include Carl Nassib of the NFL and Jason Collins of the NBA. The ATP’s survey aims to address this by prompting players to consider the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in tennis.
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 the negative impact of an unwelcoming sports culture on mental health and performance. Questions explore players’ sexual orientation, their awareness of gay players, and their attitudes towards jokes and the significance of sexuality in men’s tennis.
Participants are also asked about factors contributing to the absence of openly gay players and their support for the ATP’s efforts to combat homophobia. The survey seeks to gauge whether players would publicly support a gay or bisexual colleague.
Upon completion, Monash University will analyze the survey data and provide statistical insights to Pride Sports, which will then offer recommendations to the ATP. Calvelli emphasized the importance of being receptive to these suggestions, stating, “We must take the recommendations seriously and be open-minded about implementing them.”