Tennis legend Venus Williams is preparing for one of the biggest moments of her life off the court: marriage, as she plans to wed Andrea Preti.
The 45-year-old returned to the US Open this fall, marking a triumphant comeback that drew large crowds.
Although she was eliminated in the first round of singles by Karolina Muchova, she teamed up with Canadian rising star Leylah Fernandez for doubles play.
The pair reached the quarterfinals, ultimately falling to the top-seeded duo of Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova on September 2.
Their spirited performance earned an extended standing ovation from fans, a moment Williams carried with her as she departed for Europe earlier this week.
Williams is currently in London, spending time with friends and enjoying downtime at a countryside estate.
READ ALSO: Venus Williams returns to tennis after 16 months break
She will soon travel to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where her wedding to actor and model Andrea Preti is set to take place next weekend.
Her sisters — Serena Williams, Yetunde Price, Lyndrea Price, and Isha Price — along with her mother, are expected to join her in Italy for the celebrations.
The nuptials follow a summer of festivities. In July, Williams hosted her bachelorette party on a yacht in Menorca, joined by family and close friends.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion publicly confirmed her engagement to Preti in July, just days after the celebration.
Despite keeping her personal life largely private, Williams continues to maintain focus on her career. Before leaving for London, she wrote on X: “Leveling up with every match and feeling the love all around. An unforgettable @usopen—it’s always an honor to compete here.”
The upcoming Amalfi Coast wedding marks a new chapter for the tennis icon, whose decades-long career and off-court ventures have cemented her as one of the most influential athletes of her generation.
Newsnation.com
