Belgian Tennis Star Greet Minnen Marries Marie Diels

Belgian tennis pro Greet Minnen, widely recognized for her achievements on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion, married her partner Marie Diels on July 18 in a ceremony celebrated by friends, family, and supporters from around the world. The event not only marks a personal milestone for the newlyweds but also stands as a beacon of visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in elite sports .

Minnen, 27, shared the joyous announcement on Instagram, posting a photo of the couple on their wedding day. The two have been together for several years and announced their engagement in 2024, with Minnen expressing her excitement about their future together: “Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you 💍🥰❣️ we’re getting married!” .

Minnen’s career has been defined not only by her on-court achievements but also by her openness about her identity and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights within the sports community. She first came out publicly in 2018 when she and then-partner, fellow Belgian player Alison Van Uytvanck, revealed their relationship during the WTA tour. Their openness was quickly embraced by fans and made headlines when they played doubles together at Wimbledon in 2019, becoming the first openly gay couple to do so at the tournament .

In recent years, Minnen has used her platform to highlight both the progress and ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes. She has spoken candidly about the cyberbullying and discrimination she has encountered, particularly on social media. In 2023, after sharing examples of homophobic messages, Minnen publicly called for change: “This really has to stop,” she wrote, urging for greater accountability and support for out athletes .

Minnen’s wedding comes at a time when LGBTQ+ representation in professional tennis remains limited. According to coverage from Outsports and PinkNews, Minnen was one of only two openly gay players participating in this year’s French Open and Wimbledon, although she was forced to withdraw from the latter due to a back injury . The WTA tour has historically seen more out female players compared to the men’s ATP circuit, where only one active male player, Brazil’s João Lucas Reis da Silva, publicly came out in late 2024 .

Minnen’s visibility and her willingness to speak out have inspired many younger players and fans. Her marriage to Diels is seen by many as both a personal triumph and a statement of progress for inclusivity in sports.

The tennis community has increasingly shown support for LGBTQ+ athletes. High-profile allies, such as Andy Roddick and Madison Keys, have publicly advocated for inclusion and equal rights, contributing to a more welcoming environment within the sport . Nevertheless, many players, including Minnen, acknowledge that challenges remain, particularly regarding homophobia and the lack of out male players at the highest levels.

For LGBTQ+ fans and athletes, high-profile events like Minnen and Diels’ wedding serve as powerful reminders of the importance of authenticity and the progress still to be made. They offer visibility that can help break down barriers and foster a more inclusive future for all players, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

As Minnen and Diels begin their married life together, the tennis world celebrates not only their union but also the broader strides toward acceptance and equality their story represents. Their wedding is a testament to the progress achieved through courage, community, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights in sport.

With athletes like Minnen leading by example, the message to the next generation is clear: love, authenticity, and pride belong on the court—and everywhere else.