Venus Williams Confirms Engagement After Historic Win at 45

Tennis legend Venus Williams made headlines this week not just for her remarkable on‑court resurgence—but also for a personal milestone. At age 45, she became the second‑oldest woman to win a tour‑level singles match since Martina Navratilova, and in a post‑match interview, she officially confirmed her engagement to actor-producer Andrea Preti, describing him as a key source of support during her comeback .

A Triumphant Return

Williams stunned the tennis world at the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 22, defeating 23‑year‑old Peyton Stearns 6‑3, 6‑4. It marked her first singles victory in over a year, achieved after a 16‑month hiatus for health reasons including surgery to remove uterine fibroids . Her performance placed her just behind Navratilova, who won a match at age 47 in 2004.

Reflecting on the victory, Williams emphasized the mental aspect: “There are no limits for excellence… It’s all about what’s in your head and how much you’re able to put into it” . She quoted the long hours and rigorous discipline as akin to a “9 to 5… running the whole time,” crediting Preti’s encouragement for pushing her through .

Love on and Off the Court

In the immediate post-match interview, Williams was radiant not just for her win, but for sharing a glimpse of her personal life: “My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” she said, confirming her engagement to Andrea Preti, a 37‑year‑old actor, producer, and model . The couple, who were first linked in 2024 and photographed together at Milan Fashion Week, have maintained a relatively private relationship.

Williams praised Preti for supporting her through the “grueling” comeback, saying he had never even seen her play before, but his unwavering presence made all the difference . Their engagement announcement made headlines not only for its romantic timing but also for the positivity it added to a moment already historic on the court.

What This Victory Means

Williams’ win resonated far beyond her personal achievements. She became the second-oldest player in WTA history to win a singles match, signaling that age and time away from the sport need not define an athlete’s legacy . She has battled significant health setbacks, from Sjögren’s syndrome to fibroid surgery, and still chose to return at the highest level .

The win also sparked discussions about the role of wild cards in tournaments, given her age and ranking. DC Open chairman Mark Ein was clear in his support: Venus deserved the opportunity for her legacy and draw

The Next Chapter

Williams is set to face Poland’s Magdalena Frech, the tournament’s fifth seed, in the next round . Beyond the competition, Williams is now entering a thrilling new chapter in her life—one uniting athletic passion with personal joy.