Johnson made headlines for being the only Black male professional tennis player to publicly come out as gay during their career. They made history as the first openly gay Black male in professional tennis to come out.

The only male player in professional tennis to come out publicly before Johnson was Brian Vahaly, who spoke about his sexuality for the first time in 2017, a decade after retiring from the game.

Johnson said not everyone supported him, including fellow players.

Lendale now identifies as Transfemme and casually goes by the name “Naomi”. They said, “A trans woman is a woman that is transgender. A transfemme is a person transitioning towards femininity.”

They said they will continue to represent USA and compete on the Men’s circuit as Lendale Johnson.

"I can be feminine and girly if I want. I can wear a ponytail. I can paint my nails. When I go on the tennis court, that is not going to stop me from performing. People shouldn’t judge me for that either but that is just how the world is," said Johnson. Fox News

They have been interviewing numerous tennis stars such as Nick Kyrgios, Andre Rublev, Danielle Collins, & more for their reality tv series. Johnson wants to excite tennis fans and advocate for LGBTQ athletes around the world and open the hard conversations on why Lendale is the only active tennis professional on the men’s tour that identifies with the LGBTQ community since the sport turned professional in 1968.

The Florida House Passed Three Extreme Anti-Trans Bills in a Single Day this month, but that won’t stop Johnson from pursing their goals as an out LGBTQ+ professional athlete.

Johnson is set to play in the main draw of the 2024 Emerald Coast Tennis Tournament on March 22nd in Panama City FL (Purse $500) in the Men’s Open.

Top seed is currently Cole Phillips (9.0 UTR)

LIVE STREAM THIS EVENT HERE

The tennis star shamelessly posted a Grindr hookup this morning on his Instagram for the world to see. Apparently Lendale is not a fan of American Eagle, he made it very clear in a Instagram story roasting his new lover over their American Eagle boxers. Quoting, what are you 16? A joke to a fan that replied to his story post. A trusted source tells us before Lendale was famous, he was fired by American Eagle for working at Abercrombie & Fitch at the same time.

American Eagle boy he wants a 2nd chance with L but who's really up to do L's dirty work and tell him to never ever come over again with American Eagle boxers. Lendale pulled an "Agree to disagree".

As for me, I'd throw those boxers in the trash with the quickness. Calvins forever-

You know you love me,

xoxo #GossipGirl

The tennis star was seen bar hoping in Williamsburg on multiple fronts including the very popular nerd hangout video game bar “Barcade” and “Black Flamingo”.

Lendale wasted no time after a prior disappointing reconnection that unfortunately I am not at liberty to speak on, however he quickly salvaged the evening.

Who are all these hot new men in L’s circle? New bar friends? Lovers? Tennis clients?

​Well, I have all the details of course. Stay tuned!

​xoxo #GossipGirl

​Lendale can’t seem to go anywhere in nyc without getting spotted. Popular or too friendly? Lucas didn’t seem to mind and we don't mind a blinding flash of those pearly whites.

The handsome tennis pros were spotted in Williamsburg exchanging more than just numbers (a selfie) after a 2 year hiatus. Will they end up playing tennis in Brooklyn or the city? 

My money is on Brooklyn for the win. And as for me, I can see clearly now. 

XOXO —Gossip Girl.

“In every gay guys life there comes a moment when you realize the world was...
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Professional tennis player, model, actor, and celebrity tennis coach Lendale Johnson’s fans get great news as the star is set to become a part of Deuces & Love: A Reality TV Series. Here are all the available details.

​Johnson is really popular, and he’s best known for his appearance on the Fox TV show Empire. More than that, diehard fans already know...

01/20/2020

The tennis star of Kalamazoo failed to make it past the 1st round at the 1K Men’s Championships in Williamsville, NY. Johnson made 23 unforced errors and hit just 5 winners. He doubled faulted the 1st set and went down a break to 2-0 then held serve. His opponent was hall of fame Dirk D was the oldest player in the tournament at 70 years old.

Without a coach or match play Johnson looks to the drawing board for answers. “I clearly didn’t play well and was exhausted after driving 6 hours to Williamsville from NYC.. I was also in the hospital the day before.”