In professional tennis, few competitors get to share the court with their romantic partner. But Argentine players Nadia Podoroska and Guillermina Naya have now become doubles partners in November 2023, after being girlfriends for over two years.

Playing alongside your significant other is a rare opportunity in tennis that Podoroska and Naya have relished pursuing together. As a couple off the court for over two years, they were eager to join forces in competition as well and bring their chemistry to doubles.

It has been over a year since tennis icon Billie Jean King voiced her support for Argentine doubles players Nadia Podoroska and Guillermina Naya for openly discussing their relationship, but the impact of King’s endorsement continues to resonate with the couple.

More than a year after Billie Jean King’s fervent backing, doubles partners and girlfriends respond to the American tennis legend

Since going public as a couple and doubles team, Nadia Podoroska and Guillermina Naya have received supportive messages from figures like tennis legend Billie Jean King. However, the men’s ATP Tour currently has no openly gay male players.

In a recent interview with Clay magazine, Podoroska commented on the atmosphere among male players. She noted there seems to be casual homophobia where men who don’t socialize much or are shy get unfairly labeled and boxed in.

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When interviewed, “How did you feel when Billie Jean King congratulated you for talking openly about your relationship?”

Podoroska said, “Billie Jean is someone who is very aware of what’s going on in the tour. Obviously I liked it because she’s an icon of the sport, but it’s not that I was surprised because I know she does that and she’s right there with the news. Someone so famous and well-known who is such an advocate for rights… I liked it.”

Naya responded saying, ” I thought it was incredible to see her support. To have a message like that coming from such a figure is impressive.”

King famously campaigned for equality and inclusion throughout her Hall of Fame career. In 1973, she was integral to the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association, helping to professionalize the sport. She also publicly came out as a lesbian in 1981.

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On-court success and off-court commitment

Playing together has brought Podoroska and Naya even closer. “Being able to share the court with her is very special,” said Podoroska. “We understand each other very well and know what the other needs.” Their strong bond was evident when they reached the semi-finals of the Chennai Open doubles event in September.

King has long been a supporter of LGBTQ rights in tennis. In addition to her own advocacy as an openly gay athlete pioneer, King founded the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative in 2017 to address equality, diversity and inclusion across the sport. Her public praise for Podoroska and Naya’s openness no doubt gave the couple confidence as they’ve navigated the tour together.

Over a year later, Podoroska and Naya continue to let their play do the talking while also serving as role models. Their success on court and commitment to each other sends an important message of acceptance to the tennis community. And with advocates like Billie Jean King in their corner, their influence is sure to help carry the movement for equality forward.

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