Venus Williams in 2025: Career Highs, Comebacks, Records, Health Battles, Double Wedding to Andrea Preti – Full Biography

Even at the age of 45, Venus Williams is a revolutionary tennis champion. Her power reshaped women’s tennis and promoted equality in sports. she has married to Italian actor Andrea Pretti in Italy on Friday, December 20. After the wedding, a five-day ceremony was held in Palm Beach, which received worldwide attention.

Serena Williams shared an emotional tribute to her sister. Venus later confirmed her return to the WTA Tour in 2026. Her journey began in Compton and led to Grand Slam greatness. She also faced serious health challenges. Beyond tennis, Venus built successful business ventures. This biography captures her wedding, career highs, comebacks, records, and enduring legacy as she plans a WTA return in 2026.

Who is Venus Williams? Early Life

Venus Williams was born on June 17, 1980, in Lynwood, California, to Richard Williams and Oracene Price. Her family later moved to the underprivileged area of Compton, where her father, who was self-educated, began coaching Venus and her sister Serena on local courts from the age of four. Richard carefully guided them using a 78-page plan designed to shape them into future champions.

Venus is the half-sister of Yetunde (tragically killed in 2003), Lyndrea, and Isha Price from her mother’s previous marriage. In 1991, the family relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida, to train under Rick Macci. Richard took full charge of Venus’s development, focusing equally on education, character, and tennis.

At 14, Venus turned professional on October 31, 1994, and immediately made an impression by nearly defeating world No. 2 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario at the Bank of the West Classic in her first event. She balanced early fame with education, later earning an associate degree in fashion design in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University East.

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Quick Personal Profile

Key Highlights

✔ First African American woman to hold WTA No. 1
✔ 7 Grand Slam singles titles and 23 major titles overall
✔ 3 Olympic golds in women’s doubles + singles gold
✔ Over $42+ million in career prize money
✔ Successful business ventures and social advocacy
✔ Return to professional tennis planned for 2026

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Venus Williams Double Wedding to Andrea Preti 2025

Venus Williams married Italian actor, producer, and model Andrea Preti (age 37) in two separate ceremonies in 2025, creating a romantic double wedding that blended Italian elegance with intimate American celebration.

The couple first met serendipitously at Milan Fashion Week in 2024 during the Gucci show—neither had originally planned to attend. Venus was on a last-minute whim after a sisters’ trip in nearby Lake Como, while Andrea decided to go despite being tired. Their connection was immediate.

• First Ceremony: A lavish destination wedding in Ischia, Italy, on September 18, 2025. This grand event featured traditional Italian elements and was attended by close family and friends.
• Second Ceremony: An intimate courthouse wedding in West Palm Beach, Florida, on December 19, 2025, followed by a five-day at-home celebration in their Palm Beach residence (December 20–22, 2025).

The Palm Beach festivities were particularly joyful and personal:

• Bilingual vows in Italian and English
• Venus wore a custom Georges Hobeika gown for the main events and a Morilee dress for the courthouse
• Activities included a yacht day (gifted by sister Serena), romantic dinners, a bridal shower, and relaxed family gatherings
• The entire celebration was captured by renowned photographer David Bastianoni

Andrea Preti later described the courthouse moment as “very unique, emotional, and deep,” calling it his “second-best day” after the main wedding.

Serena Williams’ Heartfelt Tribute: “My Sister’s Keeper”

On December 23, 2025, Serena Williams shared emotional photos from the wedding on Instagram with a heartfelt caption titled “My sister’s keeper,” praising Venus’s grace and expressing how much it meant to see her “this happy, this loved, this radiant.” Serena played a major role in planning, including quickly compiling hairstyle options in PDFs, and wore a white mermaid gown—joining Venus, their sisters Lyndrea and Isha, niece Justus, and mother Oracene in white as a deliberate bridal choice.

As of December 24, 2025, the newlyweds are enjoying married life while Venus prepares for her 2026 tennis return.

Rise to Stardom and First Grand Slam Era (1997–2001)

In 1997, Venus reached her first major final at the US Open (lost to Martina Hingis). 1998 brought her first WTA title and mixed doubles Slams. By 1999, she won three Tier I titles and the US Open doubles with Serena. 2000–2001 saw Wimbledon/US Open doubles, Olympic golds, and her first singles Slams—establishing her as a power tennis pioneer.

World No. 1 and the Serena Rivalry

Venus became No. 1 in 2002, the first Black woman in the Open Era. Her rivalry with Serena (31 matches, Serena leads 19–12) featured historic all-Williams finals, elevating women’s tennis visibility and breaking racial barriers. It showcased their bond while boosting the sport’s popularity.

Health Battles and Career Redefinition

Venus was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome in 2011, causing fatigue and pain—leading to withdrawals and ranking drops. In July 2025, she revealed decades-long struggles with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids, impacting her career and delaying diagnosis due to inadequate medical support. She adapted with vegan diets, reduced schedules, and resilience, redefining success beyond titles.

The Comeback Years (2012–2016)

• 2012: Olympic doubles gold; Luxembourg title ends drought; back to top 50.
• 2013: Back injury; first Wimbledon absence; top 50 return.
• 2014: Dubai title; return to top 20; first top-10 since 2010.
• 2015: Re-entering top 10; Comeback Player of the Year; Wimbledon quarterfinal.
• 2016: Wimbledon semifinal; Olympic silver; return to top 10.

Late-Career Renaissance (2017 Peak)

Venus reached Australian Open and Wimbledon finals (lost to Serena and Muguruza), becoming the oldest to beat a No. 1 (Kerber). She returned to top 5, proving elite longevity at 37.

Decline, Injuries, and Ranking Drop (2018–2021)

2018 saw her 1000th match but ranking drop out of top 50. Injuries led to early exits; by 2021, she fell out of top 100, missing majors.

Post-Serena Era and Final Chapters (2022–2025)

With Serena’s 2022 retirement, Venus stepped away from doubles. 2023–2024 brought injury struggles; 2025 wildcards included Washington win and US Open doubles quarterfinal. Selective play keeps her active.

Playing Style That Changed Women’s Tennis

Venus’s aggressive baseline, powerful serve (129 mph record), topspin groundstrokes, slice backhand, and athletic coverage influenced modern players like Coco Gauff.

Doubles Dominance with Serena Williams

Undefeated in 14 major finals; 3 Olympic golds; greatest duo ever.

Career Records and Statistics

Singles: 819–281 (74.5%); doubles: 186–39 (82.7%); mixed: 31–11 (73.8%); most Olympic medals (5); 90+ major appearances.

Fight for Equal Prize Money

Venus’s 2006 essay put Wimbledon on the “wrong side of history”; her advocacy achieved parity in 2007—earning her the first equal check.

Off-Court Life and Education

Fashion enthusiast; vegan for health; private faith (raised Jehovah’s Witness).

Relationships and Personal Tragedies

Yetunde’s 2003 murder devastated the family. Past partners: Hank Kuehne, Elio Pis, Nicholas Hammond. 2025 marriage to Andrea Preti (details above).

Venus Williams from Tennis Legend to Business Mogul

Venus Williams, with a net worth of $95 million in 2025, has turned her tennis success into a thriving business empire. Her career prize money exceeds $42 million, but most of her wealth comes from endorsements, investments, and her companies.

Her fashion-forward brand, EleVen, offers inclusive activewear and skincare, generating over $10 million annually. Venus also leads V Starr Interiors, a Florida-based firm designing luxury homes, hotels, and wellness-focused spaces. Other ventures include Happy Viking, minority ownership of the Miami Dolphins, and investments in LA Golf Club and wellness apps.

Her endorsement deals with Nike, Wilson, Ralph Lauren, Porsche, and Lacoste further boost her income. Venus’s entrepreneurial journey reflects her fashion and business education while promoting inclusivity, wellness, and innovation. She exemplifies how athletes can successfully build impactful brands beyond the court.

Net Worth Breakdown (2025 Estimates)

• Prize Money: $42+ million
• Endorsements/Appearances: $5–$10 million annually
• Businesses: Major contributors
• Investments/Real Estate: Luxury Florida homes, strategic stakes

Controversies and Challenges in Venus Williams’ Career

Venus Williams has navigated several high-profile controversies and personal challenges throughout her career, often handling them with grace while maintaining her focus on tennis and advocacy.

1998 Battle of the Sexes Match: At the 1998 Australian Open, Venus and Serena participated in an exhibition “Battle of the Sexes” against German player Karsten Braasch (world No. 203). Braasch, who smoked during the changeover and played both sisters back-to-back, defeated Serena 6–1 and Venus 6–2 in single sets.

The event, intended as lighthearted promotion, drew criticism for reinforcing gender stereotypes in tennis. Venus later reflected that it highlighted the physical differences in the sport but did not diminish her achievements.

2017 Car Crash Incident: On June 9, 2017, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Venus was involved in a fatal car accident when another vehicle ran a red light and collided with her SUV at an intersection. The crash killed a 78-year-old passenger in the other car and injured the driver.

Initial police reports placed fault on Venus for entering the intersection unlawfully, but surveillance video and further investigation cleared her of wrongdoing by December 2017. The victim’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, which was settled privately in 2018. Venus expressed deep sympathy, stating the incident was heartbreaking.

TUE Medication Clarification (2016 WADA Leak): In 2016, the Fancy Bears hack leaked WADA documents showing Venus had received Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for medications including prednisone and formoterol to treat Sjögren’s syndrome.

Venus confirmed the TUEs were approved under strict anti-doping rules for legitimate medical needs, emphasizing she adhered fully to regulations. The incident sparked brief debate but was widely accepted as proper medical management.

These moments, while challenging, underscored Venus’s resilience and commitment to transparency.

Recognition, Rankings, and GOAT Status

Venus Williams is universally celebrated as one of the greatest players in tennis history, with accolades reflecting her impact on and off the court.

• Tennis Magazine (2005): Ranked 25th-best player of the past 40 years (across eras).
• Tennis Magazine (2018): Ranked 8th-best female player of the Open Era.
• Time Magazine (June 2011): Named one of the “30 Legends of Women’s Tennis: Past, Present and Future.”
• Tennis Channel & Newsday (May 2020): Ranked 8th-greatest female player of all time.

Venus is frequently included in GOAT (Greatest of All Time) conversations for women’s tennis, praised for ushering in the power era, her 7 Grand Slam singles titles, Olympic dominance, and advocacy for equality. While Serena’s 23 Slams often lead debates, Venus’s longevity, influence on modern players, and barrier-breaking role solidify her elite status.

FAQs

How old is Venus Williams in 2025?

Venus Williams is 45 years old (born June 17, 1980).

Is Venus Williams retired in 2025?

No, Venus is not retired. She played selectively in 2025 with wildcards and confirmed a full WTA return in 2026.

How many Grand Slams has Venus Williams won?

Venus has won 7 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 women’s doubles titles (all with Serena), and 2 mixed doubles titles.

What health issues does Venus Williams have?

Venus has Sjögren’s syndrome (diagnosed 2011) and revealed in 2025 a decades-long battle with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids.

How many Olympic medals does Venus Williams have?

Venus has 5 Olympic medals (4 golds, 1 silver) – the most in tennis history.

Is Venus Williams married?

Yes, Venus married Italian actor Andrea Preti in a double ceremony in 2025 (Italy in September, Florida courthouse and celebration in December).

Why is Venus Williams considered a tennis legend?

For her power game that changed women’s tennis, 7 Grand Slams, Olympic dominance, longevity at 45, and pioneering equal prize money at Wimbledon.