Are wedding bells on the horizon for Venus Williams? The seasoned tennis pro, now 44, was recently captured enjoying a cozy moment with actor Andrea Preti, 36, outside a tennis training session in Rome. What caught everyone's eye was the sparkling diamond ring adorning her left hand.
In the photos obtained by PEOPLE, Williams and Preti could be seen indulging in some public displays of affection, sharing sweet kisses before Preti planted another tender smooch on Williams' cheek, eliciting a bright smile from her. Additional photos and videos revealed Preti cheering Williams on from the sidelines as she practiced tennis. Throughout her session, the diamond ring on her finger sparkled, featuring a striking square-cut diamond encircled by pavé-set diamonds.
In another photo from the practice, Williams and Preti could be seen hugging warmly, and during a break, they held hands. While it remains unclear how long the couple has been dating, they were photographed together on vacation as far back as July 2024. In those images, obtained by PEOPLE, the two were seen enjoying a boat ride together in Nerano, Italy, along the stunning Amalfi Coast. Williams sported an olive green dress for their Mediterranean escape, while Preti, known for his roles in the Italian television series A Professor and the film One More Day, wore a white button-down shirt and sunglasses as they relaxed side by side.
They were also spotted strolling hand-in-hand around New York City, according to photos obtained by Hola!. The pair appeared effortlessly casual, with Williams donning a white tank top, green shorts, and a hat, while Preti wore gray sweatpants and a black shirt.
In recent months, the couple has grown even closer. Williams shared a picture of herself and Preti posing side by side during their Bahamas vacation on her Instagram Stories, according to Sportskeeda. Over the photo, she penned that Preti was "the best company."
In the past, Williams has dated model Elio Pis in 2012 and Nicholas Hammond in 2017, although she and Hammond parted ways in 2019. However, the heartbreak didn't deter her, and in the October 2022 issue of Glamour UK, she opened up about working on her dating life. "I've had a single life for a long time, and I think it's really easy to get stuck in that routine. Sometimes—at least for me—it's harder to break out of it," she said at the time. "It makes you contemplate yourself, what you want, and how to conduct yourself." Williams added that when the right person comes along, she's ready to embrace the journey. "When life changes, you've got to know when to change," she explained. "You can't cling to a relationship or to being single."
