Brazil’s rising star Joao Lucas Reis da Silva making his mark on the Challenger Tour

João Lucas Reis da Silva has started to make his mark on the ATP Challenger Tour. The Recife-born Brazilian reached a career-high ranking of World No. 222 this season after capturing his maiden ATP Challenger Tour title in Santa Fe, Argentina in June 2025. In the final he defeated local favorite Lautaro Midón, a breakthrough that reflected years of dedication and steady progress.

Currently competing in the South American clay-court swing, Reis da Silva speaks with calm confidence about his first big trophy. “I played really well throughout the week,” he says. “My team and I have been doing good things, and it’s good to get results from this hard work.”

Winning a title on Argentine soil as a Brazilian carried an extra dimension. “It was nice,” the 25-year-old laughs. “I really love playing in Argentina. Conditions are good, and I played against a friend in the final.”

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A journey across Brazil

Born on March 26, 2000, in Recife, Pernambuco, Reis da Silva first picked up a racquet at the age of three, inspired by his older brother, who also competed as a junior. By 10 he was playing national tournaments; at 13 he moved to São Paulo to advance his training, living there for seven years before relocating to Rio de Janeiro.

Today he is part of the Tennis Route team in Rio alongside seven or eight other professionals, supported by a team of coaches and physiotherapists. “It’s a good environment,” he notes.

Style and strengths

On court, Reis da Silva describes himself as a solid yet aggressive baseliner. “I like my backhand and my returns,” he explains. “I try to put a lot of pressure on my opponent with my return.”

He also knows the nuances of competing across continents. “In South America conditions are different at each event - different balls, altitude or not. In Europe it’s more similar. For me the difference is also that I don’t know all of the players there. But I like playing in Europe and go every year.”

A personal milestone

In December 2024, Reis da Silva made history by becoming the first active male professional tennis player to publicly come out as gay. He shared the news with a series of photos alongside his boyfriend, Brazilian actor and model Gui Sampaio Ricardo, on Instagram. The post received widespread support from fans and fellow players.

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Life off the court

Living in Rio suits his personality. “I really like to go to the beach,” he smiles. When he’s at home, he enjoys playing League of Legends and spending time with friends and family. “We travel a lot, so it’s always nice to be at home.”

Originally from Recife, he also cherishes his roots, especially Porto de Galinhas, a beach about 30 minutes away from the city. “It’s my favorite place in the world. I go there every year for vacation at the end of the season.” He jokes that Recife itself has too many sharks to swim safely.

Unlike many Brazilians, he is not a big football fan. “I like playing it, but I don’t like to watch. I prefer volleyball, especially the Brazilian national team.”

Looking ahead

Reis da Silva’s goals are clear. “I would like to finish the season inside the Top 170 and get into the qualifying of the Australian Open,” he says. With his first Challenger title behind him, a strong training base in Rio, and a balanced life off court, Brazil’s rising talent is steadily climbing the ranks and enjoying the journey.