Venus Williams Confirms Engagement to Actor Boyfriend After Comeback Win

Tennis legend Venus Williams has announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend and Italian actor Andrea Preti — moments after sealing a triumphant return to the court.

The 45-year-old made the revelation after defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns in straight sets at the Citi Open in Washington D.C., marking her first competitive victory in 16 months. Williams had been sidelined since March 2024 due to health complications, including surgery to remove uterine fibroids.

Addressing the cheering crowd after her win, Venus beamed:

“My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing.
There were so many times I just wanted to coast and 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.
He encouraged me to get through this and it’s wonderful to be here. He’s never seen me play.”

Engagement rumors first began swirling back in February when Venus was spotted practicing in Italy with a sparkling ring on her finger. Although the couple never publicly confirmed it at the time, her latest announcement puts all speculation to rest.

Venus, who has often guarded her private life, has been linked to Preti since last summer when the two were photographed vacationing along Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

A true icon of the sport, Venus boasts seven Grand Slam singles titles — five at Wimbledon and two at the US Open — and four Olympic gold medals. Over her storied career, she has earned nearly $42 million in prize money.