Venus Williams Wins Singles Match in Washington After 16-Month Break, Credits Fiancé Andrea Preti

Venus Williams, at age 45, made a remarkable comeback to professional tennis at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open after a 16-month hiatus, winning her first-round singles match against Peyton Stearns with a 6-3, 6-4 score. Her fiancé, Andrea Preti, an actor and filmmaker, has been a significant source of encouragement, with Williams crediting him for motivating her to continue playing despite the physical demands of the sport. Preti publicly expressed his pride and support through social media posts during the tournament, highlighting Williams' positive spirit and resilience. Williams also confirmed her engagement to Preti during a post-match interview, where she spoke openly about the challenges of maintaining a professional tennis career at her age and the crucial role Preti played in her comeback. In addition to her singles success, Williams advanced in the doubles event with partner Hailey Baptiste and is set to face Magdalena Frech in the second round of singles. This comeback marks a significant chapter in Williams' career, demonstrating her enduring class and determination on the tennis court.