Venus Williams reveals she met Andrea Preti during an Italy trip in 2024 and claims she quickly realized that he was the one she would marry.
This week, the seven-time Grand Slam champion and the Italian actor tied the knot in Florida.
Williams and Preti's love story quickly developed as the rumors of the two being in a relationship first surfaced during the summer of 2024. In January 2025, they got engaged. Now, the 45-year-old tennis star and the Italian actor are married.
"We met at the Gucci show. I was in Lake Como on a sisters trip when I got an invite at the last minute and decided to go on a whim, and Andrea was tired. Neither of us was planning on being there," Williams told British Vogue.
After Preti approached the former WTA world No. 1, he dropped a compliment and offered a drink. While the Italian actor was gone for a drink, Williams' sister Lyndrea made sure to let him he was liked by the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
"She was on the sofa with her friends and family. I told her, Youre so beautiful, and then she started speaking with me in Italian. We had a little talk, and I asked if she wanted a drink. I went to the bar to get something, and her sister Lyn came to me and said, Do you mind if we start a WhatsApp conversation? I think my sister likes you,'" Preti recalled.
Williams: I just knew I was going to marry him
After meeting in Italy, Williams and Preti went to London together. According to the five-time Wimbledon champion, that sealed it.
"We wanted to be discreet at the time, but he really took care of me. After our dates in London, I just knew I was going to marry him. People always say they just know, and I just knew," the American said.
Williams may be in celebratory mood this week, but that won't be the case for too long since she is due to fly to New Zealand and kick off her 2026 season in Auckland.
Williams appeared in three singles tournaments in 2025, and posted a 1-3 record. The American also played in the US Open women's doubles event, reaching the quarterfinal with Leylah Fernandez.
