Tennis legend Venus Williams has officially confirmed her engagement to Italian actor and producer Andrea Preti during a triumphant moment at the Mubadala Citi DC Open.
After announcing the news during her post-match interview on July 22—just after recording her first singles win in nearly two years—the 45‑year‑old Williams warmly acknowledged her partner:
“My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” she shared with broadcaster Rennae Stubbs Reddit+7ABC News+7Women’s Tennis Association+7.
This revelation marked a career milestone as well: Venus became the oldest woman since Martina Navratilova in 2004 to win a tour‑level singles match Reddit+5AP News+5Women’s Tennis Association+5.
A Supportive Partner
Williams elaborated on Preti’s positive influence, saying:
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“There were so many times where I just wanted to coast… but he encouraged me to get through this and it’s wonderful to be here” Brides+10Tennis.com+10Reddit+10E! Online+4Women’s Tennis Association+4Tennis.com+4.
Preti, 37, had never witnessed her play live until that night—a poignant debut for a dedicated fan-turned-fiancé AP News+13ABC News+13Women’s Tennis Association+13.
A Romance Months in the Making
The relationship dates back to July 2024, when they were first spotted vacationing together on Italy’s Amalfi Coast People.com+1The Times of India+1.
Rumors intensified in February 2025 after Williams was seen wearing a diamond ring on her left ring finger during a tennis training session in Rome—it sparked widespread speculation, though neither she nor Preti commented publicly at the time Reddit+13Brides+13People.com+13.
Who is Andrea Preti?
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Born in 1988, Preti grew up in Denmark before moving to Italy in his teens New York Post+5People.com+5People.com+5.
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He began his career as a model, then studied acting at the Susan Batson Academy in New York. His acting credits include the film One More Day (2014), Temptation (2023), and the Italian TV series A Professor ABC News+4People.com+4People.com+4.
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He’s also worked as a producer and appeared on Italian reality TV.
A New Chapter Both On and Off the Court
This announcement coincides with a major comeback for Venus, who returned to the professional circuit after a 16‑month hiatus and defied age expectations with her win in Washington People.com+1People.com+1New York Post+9AP News+9Women’s Tennis Association+9.
With her fiancé cheering from the stands, Venus is embracing both her personal happiness and competitive drive. “He’s never seen me play until now,” she said—marking the beginning of a new phase both personally and professionally Reddit+4Women’s Tennis Association+4People.com+4.
What’s Next for the Couple & Venus’s Career
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Venus will face Magdalena Frech in the Round of 16 on Thursday, July 24 AP News+2ABC News+2Women’s Tennis Association+2.
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Fans are also curious about wedding plans. Romance rumors suggest an intimate celebration—perhaps on the Amalfi Coast, where their relationship began The Times of India.
This confirmation brings a heartfelt personal victory to accompany Venus’s on‑court resurgence. Here’s to love, longevity, and legacy.