Washington, D.C. – July 23, 2025 — Tennis icon Venus Williams has revealed her engagement to Italian actor and producer Andrea Preti, marking a new chapter in the life of the seven-time Grand Slam champion. The announcement came in a surprise moment during an emotional post-match interview at the D.C. Open, following Williams’ first singles win in nearly two years.
The 45-year-old star, known for her powerhouse presence on and off the court, secured a straight-sets victory over Peyton Stearns (6–3, 6–4). But it was the unexpected engagement confirmation that sent shockwaves through the sports and entertainment worlds.
As Williams stood courtside, former pro and commentator Rennae Stubbs congratulated her, saying, “You are now an engaged woman,” before asking how her fiancé had inspired her return to competitive play. Smiling and visibly glowing, Williams confirmed the news: “Yes, my fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep going. He’s been incredibly supportive through the grind of it all.”
A Love Story Blossoming Off the Court
Speculation about the couple’s relationship began in July 2024 when Williams and Preti were spotted vacationing along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Photos of the pair aboard a private boat off the coast of Nerano hinted at a budding romance.
In early 2025, rumors reignited after Williams was seen wearing a striking square-cut diamond ring during appearances at Milan Fashion Week and on the practice courts in Rome. Though neither party commented publicly at the time, fans and media alike took notice.
Who Is Andrea Preti?
Andrea Preti, 37, is a Danish-born, Italian-raised actor, model, and producer. He trained at the prestigious Susan Batson Academy in New York and has appeared in various Italian television series and films, including One More Day (2014), Temptation (2023), and A Professor. He also gained recognition on the Italian reality show La Talpa.
Known for his reserved yet charismatic demeanor, Preti has reportedly been a steady presence in Williams’ life, often attending her training sessions and quietly supporting her journey back to professional tennis.
A Shift in Perspective
Williams has long been candid about her approach to relationships and independence. In a 2021 Cosmopolitan interview, she said she was content being single and not pressured by societal expectations. “You can’t hold on to either a relationship or the singleness,” she later reflected in 2023. “You have to know when life is changing, and embrace that.”
With her engagement now public and her return to form on the court underway, Venus Williams is embracing that change — and doing so with characteristic strength and elegance.
No wedding date has been announced, but the tennis world will undoubtedly be watching closely as one of the sport’s most celebrated figures begins this exciting new chapter — both professionally and personally.
