Venus Williams is finally a married woman. Honestly, for years, the tennis icon was the poster child for the "happily single and not looking" lifestyle. She famously told reporters back in 2021 that she was "undateable" and perfectly content with her dog, Harold, and her Seven Grand Slam titles. But things change. People change. And in late 2025, Venus officially traded her "undateable" status for a wedding ring in a series of ceremonies that felt less like a stiff celebrity gala and more like a wild, heartfelt family reunion.
The man who changed her mind? Andrea Preti. He’s a Danish-born Italian actor and producer who is about eight years her junior. If you haven't kept up with the headlines lately, you might have missed the whirlwind. They didn't just have one wedding; they had two. They did the whole Italian dream in September 2025 on the island of Ischia, followed by a massive, five-day marathon of a celebration in Palm Beach, Florida, that wrapped up right before Christmas.
How the Venus Williams Married News Caught Everyone Off Guard
The most interesting thing about the whole Venus Williams married saga is how she kept it under wraps. For a woman who lives in the public eye, she’s a master of the "stealth reveal." Rumors started bubbling in mid-2024 when she was spotted on a yacht in Italy with a handsome guy. But Venus being Venus, she didn't say a word.
Then came the ring.
In February 2025, eagle-eyed fans noticed a massive diamond on that finger while she was training in Rome. Still, silence. It wasn't until July 2025, after winning a match at the DC Open, that she casually dropped the bombshell during an on-court interview with Rennae Stubbs. She basically said, "My fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing." Just like that, the world knew.
The Man Behind the Ring: Who is Andrea Preti?
Andrea isn't just some guy who happened to be in the stands. He’s got his own career going on in Europe. Born in Copenhagen but raised in Italy, he’s a former model who transitioned into acting and filmmaking. He wrote and directed a film called One More Day back in 2015.
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What’s kinda sweet is that he had never actually seen Venus play tennis in person until they started dating. Imagine being one of the greatest athletes of all time and your partner is just getting to know you as... you. She mentioned in an interview with Vogue that his encouragement was a huge reason she didn't retire in 2024. He saw the work she put in—the 9-to-5 grind of lifting weights and "basically dying" on the court—and told her she still had more to give.
Inside the Two Weddings (Yes, Two!)
Why the double ceremony? Well, it wasn't just for the extra cake. Venus explained that doing the official paperwork in Italy as a foreigner is a total nightmare. It can take eight months or more. So, they did a symbolic, romantic ceremony in Ischia on September 18, 2025. It was small, intimate, and very Italian.
But the Florida leg? That was where the party really happened.
- The Yacht Kickoff: Serena Williams, being the ultimate sister, organized a luxury yacht party to start the week.
- The Sports Day: They held a "friendly" competition that included tennis, volleyball, dodgeball, and even wheelbarrow races. You know with the Williams family involved, "friendly" is a loose term. They play to win.
- The Courthouse: On December 19, 2025, they went to a Miami courthouse to make it legal. Andrea called it "unique, emotional, and deep."
- The Main Event: The big celebration happened on December 20. Venus wore a custom Georges Hobeika dress that she described as "ocean and sea" inspired.
They even had a Beyoncé-themed lip-sync battle during the reception. Honestly, that's the kind of energy you want at a wedding.
Addressing the Misconceptions
A lot of people assumed Venus would stop playing tennis once she got married. They figured at 45, she’d finally hang up the rackets and focus on domestic life.
Wrong.
She’s currently in the middle of her 33rd season on the WTA Tour. In fact, just days ago in January 2026, she was seen walking hand-in-hand with Andrea at the Australian Open. Marriage hasn't slowed her down; if anything, it seems to have given her a second wind. She’s also co-chairing the 2026 Met Gala alongside Beyoncé and Nicole Kidman. She’s busier than ever.
What This Means for the Williams Legacy
For years, the narrative was always about Serena’s marriage to Alexis Ohanian and her journey into motherhood. Venus was the "stoic" one, the one who lived for the sport and her business ventures like EleVen and V Starr. Seeing Venus Williams married changes the public perception of her just a bit. It shows a softer, more personal side that she protected for decades.
It’s also a lesson in timing. Venus didn't rush. She didn't settle. She waited until she found someone who actually understood the grueling demands of her life.
Andrea seems to fit right in with the family. He impressed her sisters, Lyndrea and Isha, and her mom, Oracene, during a breakfast in London early on. If you can pass the "Mama Oracene" test, you’re basically gold.
What to Watch for Next
If you're following the Venus and Andrea story, keep an eye on these upcoming milestones:
- The 2026 Met Gala: As a co-chair, expect Venus and Andrea to make a massive red carpet statement. This will be their biggest public "power couple" moment yet.
- The European Clay Court Season: Since Andrea is based in Italy, expect Venus to spend a lot more time training and competing in Europe this spring.
- New Business Collaborations: There are already whispers that Andrea might help produce some content for Venus’s brand, bridging her world of sports with his world of film.
If you’ve been inspired by her journey, the biggest takeaway is simple: your timeline is yours. Whether it’s starting a new career at 40 or getting married at 45, there’s no "right" time except for the time that feels right to you. Keep an eye on her Instagram for the inevitable "honeymoon" highlight reel—it’s bound to be as stylish as her backhand.