Larsson comes out publicly ahead of WTA Finals debut

Johanna Larsson may have fallen in Luxembourg singles action this past week in the quarterfinal round, but not before posting three-set victories over Eugenie Bouchard and Beatriz Haddad Maia. And Larsson can say this: She will be among the few and the proud playing in Singapore next week.

Alongside partner Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, Larsson has put together a successful doubles season, including titles in Linz, Seoul, Gstaad and Auckland.

Last month, Larsson emerged from the shadows of what she termed "a horrible lie," coming out as a lesbian. Her girlfriend, Amanda Strang, joined her on Swedish TV to talk about the matter.

The 29-year-old Larsson shared openly about her internal struggles, balancing the pressures of sponsor relationships and fearing negative reactions related to her endorsements with the possibility that she would be rejected by family, including her mother.

Ultimately, she found herself surprised by her mother's reaction upon confronting her as to whether she had met a special person for her life, even a female: "My mum's reaction was unbelievable. She told me, 'I love you, no matter what.'"

Thus Larsson need not worry further, as the response has been positive to her honesty. She can rest easy now–or directly after she competes in Singapore. Indeed, how Swede it is.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.