Venus Williams recently made her much-anticipated return to the court after more than a year away from competitive tennis. The American icon was seen in an intense practice session as World No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s newly released song with opera icon Andrea Bocelli played in the background. Williams’ recent video soon prompted a heartfelt message from her boyfriend, Andrea Preti.
Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players ever, with an impressive 49 WTA titles, including seven Grand Slam trophies to her name. The American, once a regular on tour, has fallen off the WTA rankings after more than 52 weeks of inactivity. She hasn’t officially retired yet and last competed at the 2024 Miami Open, where she suffered a first-round exit.
Venus Williams’ Boyfriend Andrea Preti Reacts As American Hits the Court, Inspired by Jannik Sinner’s Message
With questions swirling about her return to the tour, the 45-year-old hit the court and posted clips of her practice on her Instagram story recently. The videos were set to Polvere e Gloria (Dust and Glory), featuring Sinner’s motivational voiceover. The first story had Sinner saying: “In our lives, there will always be many first times. All you have to do is to be yourself.”
“If you work, you will rise higher,” and “The one who works is the talented one,” were Sinner’s quotes used in the second story. The seven-time Major champion added a caption of her own in the story that read: “Working.”
“Improve every day, that’s the most important thing. Talent doesn’t exist, it has to be earned,” Sinner said in the last story with Williams writing: “Improving.”
Williams’ boyfriend Preti, a constant presence on social media, shared a message of encouragement as the American made her return on court. He re-shared the 45-year-old’s Instagram story and wrote:
“Let’s go. Stronger than ever.”
Talks concerning Williams’ retirement has intensified lately, especially after she reportedly denied a wildcard entrance at the 2025 BNP Paribas Open.
During an appearance in Denmark on Sunday, former world No. 1 Venus Williams said she would not play at the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in California, a decision the tournament confirmed in a social media post.
More: https://t.co/hCfyUeTVcN#BNPParibasOpen #Tennis #ESPNCaribbean pic.twitter.com/dVPmE3UGdS
— ESPN Caribbean (@ESPN_Caribbean) February 24, 2025
While they’ve largely kept their relationship private, Williams and Preti have occasionally expressed their support for one another on social media.
Venus Williams and Andrea Preti Were First Linked Last Year
The discussions about Williams and Preti’s relationship sparked when they were spotted boating together in Nerano, Italy, last year.
The couple enjoys each other’s company, with their vacation in the Bahamas standing out as a notable example. Their relationship seemingly got official when they shared a romantic kiss during the Milan Fashion Week earlier this year.
Read More: Venus Williams’ Boyfriend Andrea Preti Shows His Strengthening Bond With the American’s Adorable Pet
Preti was born in Denmark, and after spending most of his childhood there, he moved to Italy with his family. The 37-year-old has built a career as an actor, model, and producer. Some of his notable works include writing, directing, and acting in 2014’s ‘One More Day,’ and acting in the renowned television series ‘A Professor.’
