Inspiring story of the day: “Having someone who shows up for you and believes in your fire changes everything” - How Venus Williams mid-forties romance with Andrea Preti turned into longevity and love

Venus Williams has spent decades changing tennis, winning seven Grand Slam singles titles and helping secure equal prize money for women at Wimbledon. At 46, she continues to compete despite years of physical challenges, including Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition she publicly discussed in 2011. Away from the court, Williams has entered a new chapter with Italian actor and model Andrea Preti, whom she married in 2025. Their relationship began in 2024, and Preti has supported her return to professional tennis. Her story now brings together sporting success, personal challenges and a new marriage.How did Venus Williams rise from Compton to become a tennis legend?Venus Williams grew up in Compton, California, alongside her younger sister Serena Williams. Their father, Richard Williams, coached them from an early age, helping them prepare for a sport in which Black women were still underrepresented at the highest level.Venus turned professional in 1994, aged 14. Her powerful serve, speed and ability to compete under pressure soon made her one of the leading players in women’s tennis. She won her first Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon in 2000, then defended it in 2001. She also won the US Open singles title in both years.Her achievements extended beyond individual trophies. Williams won five Wimbledon singles titles and two US Open singles titles. She also won four Olympic gold medals, including three in women’s doubles with Serena and one in singles at the 2000 Sydney Games.Her influence reached beyond the court. Williams played a major role in the campaign for equal prize money at the four Grand Slam tournaments. Wimbledon introduced equal prize money for men and women in 2007, making it the last of the four majors to do so. Williams won the women’s singles title that year.The achievement reflected years of work to challenge the difference in how men’s and women’s tennis was valued. Her success also helped create more opportunities for younger players who wanted to compete at the highest level.Although Serena went on to win 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Venus built her own legacy. She became a five-time Wimbledon champion, a former world No. 1 and one of the most influential figures in modern tennis. Their careers also helped bring greater attention to the Williams family’s journey from Compton to the sport’s biggest stages.How did Venus Williams manage Sjögren’s syndrome and return to tennis?Williams publicly revealed in 2011 that she had Sjögren’s syndrome after withdrawing from the US Open. The autoimmune disease can cause dry eyes and mouth, joint pain and severe fatigue. Its effects vary from person to person, and there is no known cure.For a professional tennis player, persistent fatigue can make training and competition especially difficult. Williams has spoken about how the condition affected her energy and ability to perform. She changed her approach to training and nutrition while continuing to work towards a return to her previous level.Her experience also challenged the idea that a player must leave the sport after reaching a certain age or facing a long-term health condition. Williams continued to compete on the WTA Tour, although her results and schedule changed over the years.She also pursued interests outside tennis, including fashion and business. Her clothing brand, EleVen, and her work in interior design through V Starr have given her other ways to build a career beyond professional sport.Williams’ return to competition in 2025 was another major moment. After spending more than a year away from tournaments, she played at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington. She won her first singles match in nearly two years, defeating Peyton Stearns in straight sets.After that victory, she credited her fiancé with encouraging her to continue playing. Speaking during her on-court interview, Williams said: “My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing.” The comments offered a clear glimpse into the role Preti played during her comeback.She continued competing in 2026, playing tournaments including the Australian Open, the US Open and events on the North American hard-court circuit. At the 2026 US Open, she returned to Grand Slam doubles with Serena for the first time since 2022. The sisters lost a close three-set match to Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint.The result did not give them another title, but their return drew attention to a partnership that has shaped tennis for more than two decades. Williams’ continued presence on the tour has also kept the focus on her determination to compete on her own terms.How did Venus Williams meet Andrea Preti and decide to marry him?Williams met Andrea Preti in 2024 at a Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week. According to Vogue, Williams had been in Lake Como on a trip with her sisters when she received an invitation to attend the event. Preti was there too, and the two began talking.Their first meeting led to further contact and dates in London. Williams told Vogue that she had spent six years single before the relationship began and wanted something straightforward. The couple became engaged on January 31, 2025, during a trip to Tuscany.Williams later spoke publicly about Preti’s support when she returned to tennis. Her comments after the DC Open victory made clear that he had encouraged her to continue competing, even as she faced the demands of professional sport.The couple first held a wedding ceremony in Ischia, Italy, on September 18, 2025. They later held a second wedding in Palm Beach, Florida, in December. The Florida celebrations included several days of events with family and friends, followed by a courthouse ceremony that made their marriage official in the United States.Explaining why they decided to hold a second wedding, Williams told Vogue: “We had this dream to do our wedding in Italy. But we didn’t have enough time to do the paperwork—because I’m a foreigner, it can take about eight months. So we decided to have a second wedding.”The celebrations included a yacht gathering arranged by Serena Williams, a family sports day and a wedding reception. Williams described the experience to Vogue as “the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest day.”The marriage marked a new chapter for Williams, who had kept much of her private life away from public attention. Their story also shows how the relationship developed alongside her return to tennis rather than after she had left the sport.What does Venus Williams’ story tell us about love, age and success?Williams’ career has never followed a simple path. She reached the top of tennis while still young, helped change the sport’s approach to equal pay and continued playing through a long-term health condition. Her achievements have come alongside years of work outside tennis and a life that has changed with time.Her relationship with Preti has added another part to that story. She has spoken openly about his encouragement during her comeback, while their wedding celebrations brought their families together in Italy and Florida.At the 2026 US Open, Williams and Serena returned to the doubles court together, reminding fans of the partnership that helped define their careers. Venus’ singles results in recent seasons have not matched her peak years, but she has continued to compete against younger players and make her own decisions about the future.Her journey is not simply about winning trophies or staying in the sport for as long as possible. It is also about making room for personal choices, new relationships and interests beyond competition. At 46, Williams continues to decide what comes next, both on the court and in her life away from it.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.