Moments after making a historic comeback to the tennis court, Venus Williams finally confirmed her engagement to actor Andrea Preti after months of speculation. The 45-year-old tennis star disclosed in a post-match interview on Tuesday that her 37-year-old boyfriend had asked her the crucial question.
“You are now an engaged woman,” interviewer Rennae Stubbs said. “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?”“My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” said Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and the older sister of fellow tennis sensation Serena Williams.
“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 is never seen me play,” she added. On Tuesday, she defeated Peyton Stearns to become the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004.
Who is Andrea Preti?
Andrea Preti was born and raised in Denmark. As a teenager, he moved to Italy, where his family introduced him to the world of fashion. His success in modelling opened the door to acting. Andrea pursued formal training at the Susan Batson Studio in New York City, where he honed his craft and immersed himself in the world of performance.
His career in television began with roles in various commercials and movie series. However, Andrea evolved to become a writer and director. Since 2013, he has worked on four creative projects that showcase his multifaceted abilities.
His directorial debut came with the 2014 film One More Day, where he served as writer, director, and lead actor. That same year, he wrote and starred in the short film The Wolf Man, a symbolic story about a wolf that transforms into a man each day reflecting the dual nature of humanity, the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil.
Andrea’s third project is an international co-production born from his original concept and embraced by a diverse cast and crew. Set in Southern Italy in the late 19th century, the story is a bold commentary on homophobia and a call for greater acceptance of diversity. Andrea will also direct this project, which aims to challenge societal norms and inspire meaningful change. His fourth work, Animals, is an action film that weaves together intense drama, emotion, and love. Preti has an overall net worth of $1million.
How did Venus and Andrea Preti meet?
Venus Williams and Andrea Preti first sparked romance rumors in July 2024, after being spotted sailing together off the coast of Nerano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Since then, their growing closeness, marked by warm embraces on a Rome tennis court, a cozy Bahamas vacation selfie where Venus called him “the best company,” and the surprise debut of a sparkling diamond ring, fueled engagement speculation. Sources later confirmed to NewsNation that the couple is set to tie the knot in September, with plans for an elegant Italian ceremony and a chic Adriatic bachelorette celebration aboard a yacht, joined by Serena Williams and close family.