Venus Williams’ boyfriend, Andrea Preti, is fully embracing the tennis legend’s fierce comeback spirit. The Danish-born Italian actor and filmmaker gave fans a glimpse into his support for Williams as she returned to competitive action at the Mubadala Citi DC Open.
Venus Williams Returns With Renewed Energy After 15-Month Break
Williams made her long-awaited comeback in Washington, D.C., this week after a 16-month break from the WTA Tour. The seven-time Grand Slam champion accepted a wild card into the tournament, marking her second appearance in the nation’s capital after last competing there in 2022.
Despite injury setbacks and a near-miss earlier this year at Indian Wells, where she was scheduled to play but withdrew before her opening match, Williams appears reenergized both on and off the court.
The American veteran got off to a promising start in doubles, teaming up with compatriot Hailey Baptiste for a first-round win over fellow wild cards Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue. They will now take on the winner between Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Cristina Bucșa and Taylor Townsend/Zhang Shuai in the quarterfinals.
Williams is now gearing up for her singles first-round match against compatriot Peyton Stearns. This will be their first meeting on the WTA Tour. The winner of this match will take on fifth seed Magdalena Fręch in the second round.
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Taking to his Instagram stories, Preti reshared a clip of Williams doing her signature twirl after her first-round doubles win and commented with her now-viral quote: “Why not?” The phrase was Williams’ response to a reporter who questioned her decision to return to the grind of professional tennis at her age.
The actor also posted a photo of Williams from a press conference, writing, “So happy to see you smile again,” and another video of her jamming with her team post-match.
Preti even extended his support to their close friend Reilly Opelka, congratulating the American for his first-round win with a message: “Amazing match bravo.”
How Williams and Preti’s Relationship Unfolded
Williams and Preti confirmed their relationship with a kiss at Milan Fashion Week earlier this year, ending months of speculation. Since then, the Danish-born Italian actor has been a steady presence in her life. They were first seen vacationing together in Italy in July 2024, and later welcomed 2025 with a tropical getaway to the Bahamas.
Preti’s vocal encouragement seems to be more than just a boyfriend cheering from the sidelines; it’s a public co-signing of her entire philosophy. In an era where many tennis icons hang up their racquets to become commentators or coaches, Venus is rewriting the playbook on what a legendary career’s final act can look like. Her “Why not?” mantra is clearly resonating with her inner circle, creating a support system that appears to insulate her from the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with such a high-profile return.
Having a partner who not only understands but actively champions this unconventional path is undoubtedly a massive advantage. It allows her comeback to be framed not as a desperate grasp at former glory, but as a passion project fueled by a genuine love for the competition.
The public displays of affection and support from Preti paint a picture of an athlete who is happy and secure in her personal life, freeing her up to focus on the grueling demands of the tour. This joyful, no-pressure approach might just be the secret weapon Venus needs as she navigates a draw filled with players who grew up idolizing her.
