A Surprise Announcement After a Triumphant Return

On Tuesday, July 22, Venus Williams stepped onto the court at Rock Creek Tennis Center, marking her first singles match in over a year. But it was her post-match interview that stole the spotlight. When asked by former pro Rennae Stubbs about her recent engagement, Venus didn’t hold back her joy.

“My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” Williams shared, her signature smile lighting up the stadium. “There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill. Do you know how hard it is to play tennis? You guys don’t know how much work goes into this, like it’s 9 to 5 except you’re running the whole time. Lifting weights and just like dying and then you repeat it the next day. So he encouraged me to get through this and it’s wonderful to be here. He’s never seen me play.”

For fans who’ve followed Williams’ storied career, the news is both a celebration and a testament to her enduring resilience—on and off the court.

From Amalfi Coast Rumors to Milan Fashion Week Sparkle

Williams and Preti, 37, first sparked romance rumors in July 2024, when they were spotted enjoying a sun-soaked boating trip along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The couple kept their relationship private, rarely appearing together in public. But eagle-eyed fans began to suspect something special was brewing when Venus was seen wearing a sparkling ring on her left hand during a tennis training session in Rome this past February.

The speculation only intensified at Milan Fashion Week, where the pair attended the Dsquared2 Fall/Winter 2025-2026 runway show. Photographs from the event showed Williams dazzling in the front row, a square-cut diamond ring glinting on her finger. Observers noted that the ring was different from the one she wore in Rome, fueling even more curiosity about the couple’s status.

A Private Romance, Now in the Spotlight

Despite their celebrity, Williams and Preti have kept their relationship largely out of the public eye. Preti, a former model turned actor and producer, is best known for his roles in the Italian television series A Professor and the film One More Day. Friends say the couple’s connection is rooted in mutual respect and shared ambition.

“Venus has always been fiercely independent, and Andrea supports that,” says a close friend of the couple. “They bring out the best in each other.”

Love, Tennis, and a New Chapter

For Williams, the engagement comes three years after she famously told Cosmopolitan that she wasn’t “desperate” to settle down, despite what friends and fans might have thought.

“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,” she revealed in her 2021 cover story.

Her approach to love has always been refreshingly honest. In a 2022 interview with Glamour UK, Williams reflected on the challenges of moving from a single life to a committed relationship.

“I’ve had a single life for a long time, and I think it’s really easy to get stuck in a single life and sometimes—at least for me—harder to get out,” she admitted. “It makes you think about yourself and what you want and how to behave.”

But when the right person comes along, Williams believes in embracing change.

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

The Power of Encouragement

Williams’ return to competitive tennis has been nothing short of inspiring. After a tough defeat at the Miami Open in March 2024, many wondered if she would ever return to the court. But with Preti cheering her on, Venus found new motivation.

“He encouraged me to get through this and it’s wonderful to be here,” she said, acknowledging the role her fiancé played in her comeback.

For Preti, watching Williams compete live for the first time was a milestone moment. “He’s never seen me play,” Venus revealed, adding yet another layer of excitement to her return.

Fans React: Joy and Inspiration

News of the engagement has sent waves of excitement through the tennis world and beyond. Social media lit up with congratulatory messages from fans, fellow athletes, and celebrities alike. Many praised Williams not only for her athletic achievements but for her openness about her personal journey.

“Venus Williams is a role model for so many reasons,” tweeted one fan. “Her honesty about life, love, and resilience is just as inspiring as her tennis.”

Looking Ahead: Wedding Bells and New Adventures

While the couple has yet to announce a wedding date, insiders say they are taking time to savor this special moment. Sources close to Williams say she is focused on her tennis, her health, and her happiness.

“Venus is in a great place right now,” says a longtime friend. “She’s excited for the future, both on and off the court.”

As for Preti, he’s said to be equally thrilled. “Andrea admires Venus’ strength and determination,” says a source. “They’re a perfect match.”

A Love Story Worth Celebrating

Venus Williams has spent her life breaking barriers, both in tennis and beyond. Her engagement to Andrea Preti is more than just a headline—it’s a celebration of love, perseverance, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

As fans around the world toast to the happy couple, one thing is clear: Venus Williams is still serving aces, and her greatest victories may be yet to come.