VENUS Williams became the oldest player to secure a WTA victory since 2004, after returning from her tennis hiatus on Tuesday, July 22.
But the 45-year-old’s first win in 16 months is not the only thing that has garnered attention, after Williams confirmed she was engaged.
Following her assertive win over 23-year-old Peyton Stearns, the tennis star confirmed her engagement to rumoured beau Andrea Preti.
After being prompted by the interviewer following her victory, Williams said: “Yes, my fiancé is here.”
“He really encouraged me to keep playing. There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill…
“He encouraged me to get through this, and it’s wonderful to be here. He’s never seen me play,” she added.
But now, fans are wondering who the mystery man is that encouraged one of the greats of the sport to make her long-awaited return.
Who is Andrea Preti?
Preti was born on June 6, 1988, in Denmark and raised in Italy.
With his formative years spent in Italy, he fell in love with fashion and became a model.
Later, he moved to New York and studied acting at the Susan Batson Studio, which boasts an alumni bursting with talent, including Nicole Kidman, Juliette Binoche, and Laverne Cox.
Preti has been seen at Williams recent matches[/caption]
He began his career working on TV in commercials and movies before changing his focus to writing and directing.
After attending the illustrious academy, Preti wrote, directed, and starred in the 2014 indie film One More Day.
The 37-year-old has continued to work in the industry and has appeared in Italian series Un Professore, and 2023’s Temptation.
How long have they been together?
Williams and Preti first sparked rumours of a relationship back in July 2024.
The couple was photographed for the first time while they were on vacation in Nerano, Italy.
While taking in the stunning views of the Amalfi Coast, the athlete and actor-director looked cozy as they whispered into each other’s ears.
Then, in February 2025, the couple were rumoured to be engaged after Williams was seen wearing an engagement ring during a training session in Rome.
They’ve only made one major public appearance together. This year, they attended the Dsquared2 fall 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week.
Before meeting and eventually getting engaged to Preti, Williams has spoken about her thoughts on marriage to Cosmopolitan in 2021.
She said: “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.
“They say things like, ‘You’re going to miss your window.’ I’m like, ‘Please, relax. You might feel this way, but I don’t. I promise you I don’t,’” she added.
Who has he previously dated?
Preti has had only one high-profile relationship before falling for Williams.
The Italian was previously in a relationship with 26-year-old tennis player Susanna Giovanardi.
Susanna Giovanardi and Preti used to date before he met Williams[/caption]
The couple were spotted at the Challengers premiere in April 2024, mere months before he met Williams.
