Venus Williams, the tennis icon, has confirmed her engagement to actor Andrea Preti, marking a significant moment in her personal life. The announcement came during a post-match interview with Australian tennis great Rennae Stubbs on July 22, following her victory over Peyton Stearns at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C.
At 45, Williams expressed her joy and gratitude for Preti's support, stating, “My fiancée is here,” which elicited applause from the audience. This win was particularly special for Williams as it was her first singles victory since 2023, and she reflected on how Preti encouraged her to continue competing despite her desire to take a break from the sport.
“There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and, kind of, chill,” she shared with a laugh. Williams emphasized the rigorous nature of her training, saying, “You guys don’t know how much work goes into this, like, it’s nine to five except you’re running the whole time.” Her candid remarks highlighted the physical demands of tennis, which she described as “lifting weights and just, like, dying.”
Stubbs remarked on Preti’s presence at the match, suggesting he might be a good luck charm. Williams agreed, noting that this was the first time Preti had seen her play professionally. Their relationship began to attract attention in July 2024 when they were spotted enjoying a boating trip in Italy.
Rumors of their engagement surfaced earlier this year when Williams was seen wearing a diamond ring during Milan Fashion Week. The couple's bond has grown stronger over time, with Williams often crediting Preti for his motivational influence.
As for her tennis career, Williams clarified misconceptions about her status in the sport. In an interview from October 2024, she humorously addressed the confusion surrounding her career following her sister Serena's retirement in 2022. “As soon as she retired, everybody thought I retired,” she joked, highlighting the public's tendency to conflate their careers.
Williams first achieved the world No. 1 ranking in singles in 2002 and has since become a prominent figure in tennis history. She also reflected on her relationship with Serena, noting that people sometimes mistake them for twins due to their close age difference. “We are two separate people, born on different days,” she clarified.
