Mika Brunold thanked João Lucas Reis da Silva for inspiring him to come out after beating him in a historic ATP Challenger Tour final.

The 21-year-old Swiss, ranked No. 410 in the world, defeated 26-year-old Brazilian Reis da Silva 6-4, 6-3 to win the Tulln Challenger in Austria on Sunday and claim his first Challenger title.

The world No. 282 became the first active male professional tennis player to publicly come out as gay in December 2024, before Brunold became the second in November 2025. Their meeting in Tulln was the first professional men’s final contested by two out gay players.

“I want to thank you,” Brunold told Reis da Silva during the trophy ceremony. “One year after your coming out, I did too. You were a big inspiration for me and I’m really proud of us.”

WHAT A MOMENT 🎾🏳️‍🌈❤️

During the Tulln Challenger trophy ceremony, Mika Brunold thanks Joao Lucas Reis da Silva for inspiring him to come out and says they can help people struggling with their sexuality.

Never thought I’d see the day! pic.twitter.com/NOKsT2Q6bk

— The Gay Tennis Pod (@thegaytennispod) September 13, 2026

Brunold said the pair could be role models for people struggling with their sexuality before thanking his opponent and wishing him luck for the future.

Reis da Silva made his sexuality public through an Instagram post celebrating the birthday of his then-boyfriend, actor and model Gui Sampaio Ricardo. During an interview later that month, Reis da Silva said he had not intended to make a wider statement with the post, but hoped his visibility could make it easier for others.

“Maybe if I had had someone playing saying, ‘I’m gay, I’m here, I’m competing for the big tournaments,’ it would have been easier for me to accept myself and to love myself,” Reis da Silva said.

“People have told me that they admire me. That I inspire people. So it’s a big deal for me and them.”

Brunold came through qualifying in Tulln, winning seven matches during the tournament to secure the title. Reis da Silva reached the final without dropping a set, before the Swiss ended his run — and before they stood together at the end.