Venus Williams, the seven-time Grand Slam champion, has captivated the tennis world in July 2025 with a triumphant return to competition, a rumored engagement, and a new broadcasting role. At 45, the American tennis legend continues to redefine resilience, blending on-court prowess with off-court ventures while sparking debates about her enduring legacy.
A Historic Comeback at DC Open
On July 22, 2025, Venus Williams made a sensational return to the WTA Tour at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, her first singles match since the 2024 Miami Open. Defeating world No. 35 Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 with nine aces, she became the second-oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004, as reported by ESPN and Tennis Channel. The victory, her first since August 2023, showcased her signature all-court game and supreme athleticism. Williams, who accepted a wildcard for the WTA 500 event, humorously noted on X, “I had to come back for the insurance, because they informed me this year that I’m on COBRA,” per @TheTennisLetter. Her doubles win with Amanda Anisimova at the same tournament, her first in nearly three years, further electrified fans, with @josemorgado calling it “simply UNREAL.”
Engagement Rumors with Andrea Preti
Off the court, Williams sparked headlines with her reported engagement to Italian actor and model Andrea Preti, 36. NewsNationNow reported on July 10, 2025, that the couple, spotted together since summer 2024, plans to wed in September on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Williams, notoriously private, has not confirmed the engagement despite wearing a large diamond ring since February 2025. A bachelorette party on a yacht in the Adriatic with friends like Lisa Leslie and sister Serena Williams hinted at the nuptials, though Williams’ Instagram remains focused on her professional endeavors. The couple’s romance, described as “wonderful and fun” by a friend, adds a personal milestone to her busy year.
French Open Broadcasting Debut
In a groundbreaking move, TNT Sports announced on July 19, 2025, that Williams will join their 2025 French Open broadcast team, marking her debut as a commentator for the May 25 Grand Slam. Yardbarker and ESPN highlighted her addition to a star-studded crew, noting her insight as a former world No. 1 and seven-time major winner. This follows her 2024 activities, including promoting her EleVen activewear line with Amazon and advocating for equal pay on CBS Mornings. Her broadcasting role complements her off-court ventures, including V Starr Interiors and her wellness book, reinforcing her multifaceted influence.
Legacy and Controversies
Williams, who turned pro in 1994 at age 14, holds 49 WTA singles titles, including five Wimbledon and two US Open crowns, and 14 doubles majors with Serena. Her 2000 Sydney Olympics singles gold and three doubles golds tie her for the most Olympic tennis medals. Despite injuries and a 2011 Sjögren’s syndrome diagnosis, she reached the 2017 Wimbledon final at 37. Recent X posts, like @BastienFachan’s “Won at age 14. Won at age 45,” celebrate her longevity, though some, like @DailyMailUK, note her absence from the WTA rankings since 2023 due to inactivity. A debunked 2025 Indian Wells wildcard announcement, clarified by Williams on the Today Show, caused minor controversy, with fans hopeful for a US Open wildcard.
As Williams competes in Washington, prepares for her wedding, and steps into the broadcast booth, her 2025 journey cements her as a tennis icon and cultural trailblazer, inspiring fans worldwide.
Websites Sources:
- ESPN (www.espn.com) – Covered DC Open win, French Open broadcast role, and career highlights.
- NewsNationNow (www.newsnationnow.com) – Reported engagement to Andrea Preti and bachelorette party details.
- Yardbarker (www.yardbarker.com) – Detailed French Open broadcast role and Indian Wells wildcard confusion.
- Britannica (www.britannica.com) – Provided career overview, Olympic achievements, and 2017 Wimbledon final.
- CBS News (www.cbsnews.com) – Covered Venus’ Privilege Tax Initiative and equal pay advocacy.
- Tennis Infinity (tennis-infinity.com) – Reported DC Open return and comments on possible comeback.
- WTA Official (www.wtatennis.com) – Provided career stats and 2023 season results.
- E! Online (www.eonline.com) – Covered Miami Open 2025 attendance and comeback tease.
- Daily Mail Online (www.dailymail.co.uk) – Reported engagement rumors and inactivity in WTA rankings.
