Venus Williams has captured the tennis world’s attention this summer not only with her return to the Hologic WTA Tour, but also with a major milestone in her personal life. The former world No. 1, who has been romantically linked to Italian actor and former model Andrea Preti since last year, confirmed that the couple is engaged, marking a new chapter both on and off the court.

Fans received their first glimpse into the aftermath of the proposal on Tuesday, when Williams shared intimate photos on social media of the couple relaxing at a picturesque tropical destination. Joined by her beloved senior dog, Harry, the images offered a rare and warm look into Williams’ private life. In her post, she revealed that she has actually been a fiancée for nearly a year, a revelation that quickly resonated with fans and fellow players alike.

According to Williams’ Instagram caption — which amassed nearly 175,000 likes and drew heart-eyed reactions from stars such as Coco Gauff — Preti proposed on January 31, just days after the conclusion of the 2025 Australian Open. The announcement delighted supporters who have followed Williams’ journey both as an athlete and as a cultural icon for more than two decades.

Williams officially “hard-launched” both her relationship and her engagement in July, following her triumphant return to competitive tennis after more than a year away. At the Mubadala Citi DC Open, she defeated Peyton Stearns in the first round, becoming the second-oldest player in the Open Era to win a tour-level singles match. After the victory, the 45-year-old revealed how instrumental her fiancé had been during her comeback, saying that his encouragement played a crucial role in her decision to keep pushing forward.

She continued to impress later in the summer, pushing No. 11 seed Karolina Muchova to three sets in the first round of the US Open. Williams also energized the Flushing Meadows crowd during her doubles run with Leylah Fernandez, as the pair advanced to the quarterfinals and kept the spotlight firmly on Williams for more than a week.

Reflecting on the physical and mental demands of her return, Williams admitted there were moments when stepping away seemed tempting. She explained that Preti had never seen her compete before this comeback, making his support even more meaningful. “Do you know how hard it is to play tennis?” she said in Washington, D.C. “It’s a full-time job — lifting weights, running nonstop, and pushing your body to the limit day after day. Having someone who believes in you makes all the difference.”

Williams’ resurgence is far from over. Looking ahead, she has already committed to continuing her comeback in 2026, with plans to compete at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, beginning on January 5. As she balances renewed competitive ambitions with a fulfilling personal life, Venus Williams once again proves that reinvention and resilience remain hallmarks of her extraordinary career.