"I just feel like we don't have to be ashamed of this, and that's why I also want to be free"
Friday 6 July 2018 12:29, UK
Wimbledon's champion conqueror Alison Van Uytvanck has revealed she feels "free" off the court after coming out.
The Belgian announced in March during a television interview that she was in a same-sex relationship with compatriot and fellow tennis professional Greet Minnen.
They had previously made no secret of their bond on social media.
And Van Uytvanck, who stunned defending champion Garbine Muguruza at Wimbledon on Thursday evening, is proud she and Minnen have gone public.
"We just decided to not make it personal and not keep it for ourselves, because I'm happy anyway if it is with a woman or a man," the 24-year-old said.
"I just feel like we don't have to be ashamed of this, and that's why I also want to be free.
"I mean, I'm not sick. I don't have a disease. I just feel like it's good that I could come out as a gay person."
Van Uytvanck earned a first victory over a top 10 player in seeing off Muguruza 5-7 6-2 6-1 in arguably the biggest shock yet at this year's championships.
The second-round match was played last on Court Two, and Muguruza hinted she was not entirely happy with the scheduling. The Spaniard may have thought her status warranted a bigger court, but resisted saying so.
"There's nothing I can do. I mean, that's what they decided," Muguruza said. "I follow the schedule. Of course, I wanted to play in bigger courts. It's always my preference.
"But to say something now makes no sense. It's just what it is. That's it. I played my match. It's a good court, but... of course, bigger courts are nicer."
Van Uytvanck plays Estonian Anett Kontaveit in the third round on Saturday.
We have Wimbledon covered from all angles via our website skysports.com/tennis then click through to our dedicated section skysports.com/tennis/wimbledon. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.
Our next tennis action comes from the German Open in Hamburg. Watch the action live on Sky Sports Arena from Monday, July 23 from 10am.
Never miss the big kick-off or have to deal with interrupted games or low-quality streams with a NOW TV Sky Sports Pass this summer. You'll get exclusive coverage of the 147th Open from Carnoustie, The Ryder Cup, ATP Tour, World Darts Matchplay, and loads more starting from just £7.99. No contract.
