Venus Williams Engaged After Year-Long Romance With Handsome Italian Actor

Tennis legend Venus Williams is stepping into the next chapter of her relationship with Italian actor Andrea Preti.

The pair first sparked dating rumors in 2024 and have since kept their romance away from the flashing cameras. However, following her first singles match in over a year on July 22, the 45-year-old confirmed that she and Preti are engaged.

Now, fans are looking forward to seeing the multi-Grand Slam champion walk down the aisle while Williams celebrates a new season both on the court and in her heart.

Williams finally made her singles return on July 22, after being away for over a year, and she did so in style.

Not only did the star bag a win, but she also confirmed her engagement to her 37-year-old boyfriend.

“You are now an engaged woman. So, how has Andrea helped you in this comeback? You’re happy, a smile on your face. I mean how much has he made a difference in your life?” interviewer Rennae Stubbs asked Williams after the match.

In response, the tennis player praised her man for being a huge source of motivation for her comeback.

“My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” Williams said. “There were many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill. Do you know how hard it is to play tennis?”

Williams continued, describing the sport as a “9 to 5,” and added that it was even more demanding, as it also involved a lot of running around and lifting weights.

“So he encouraged me to get through this and it’s wonderful to be here. He’s never seen me play,” she finished.

The news sparked a wave of reaction considering the star had previously revealed she wasn’t in a rush to settle down.

“I have a lot of friends who don’t believe me when I say that I like my life and I don’t want to change it for any reason. I’m not desperate and they don’t believe me,” Venus Williams said in a 2021 Cosmopolitan story.

She stated that some friends warned her that she might “miss your window.” However, she explained that she didn’t feel that pressure at all and reassured them that she didn’t share the same worries.

The following year, Williams opened up about her love life again, revealing that she was willing to go with the flow if the right person came along.

“When life changes, you’ve got to know when to change. You can’t hold on to either a relationship or the singleness,” the icon shared.

True to her words, Williams gave love a chance when she encountered Preti.

The couple was first linked together on July 27, 2024, when they were spotted enjoying a boat ride in Nerano, Italy.

Seven months later, engagement rumors began swirling when the sporting legend appeared in Rome training with a dazzling diamond ring on her left ring finger.

Later that month, the speculations intensified after Williams and Preti graced the Dsquared2 Fall/Winter 2025 fashion show in Milan.

At the event, Williams was photographed wearing a square-cut diamond in the middle of a pavé-set on her left hand.

Although the ring seemed simpler than the one she had previously worn, there were suggestions that it had a deeper meaning.

Venus Williams made a huge comeback at the D.C. Open, beating world No. 35 Peyton Stearns 6–3, 6–4 on Tuesday night.

This was her first singles match in 16 months after taking time off and having surgery for fibroids in July 2024.

At 45 years old, she became the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004.

Williams started a little shaky but quickly found her rhythm, serving as fast as 110 mph and hitting nine aces.

The crowd, which included NBA star Kevin Durant, cheered her on as she celebrated the special win and moved into the next round.

Speaking about her win, Williams said, “I’m just trying to figure out how many wins will it take before I’m off COBRA. I haven't asked the WTA yet, but I gotta just keep winning until finally my insurance kicks back in, so…”

The previous day, Williams bagged another win, reaching the quarterfinals of the women’s doubles alongside Hailey Baptiste.

The all-American pair defeated opponent Clervie Ngounoue and the retiring Eugenie Bouchard 6-3, 6-1 in the round of 16 for Williams’ first victory on the WTA Tour since August 2023.

After the stunning victory, Williams hinted that her tennis journey might not be over just yet.

“I'm just here for now, and who knows?" Williams said. “Maybe there's more. I haven't played in a year. There is no doubt I can play tennis. I'm still the same player. I'm a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand."

She also thanked 23-year-old Baptiste for holding the team.