Beyond the Court: Venus Williams' Enduring Quest for Love, from Elio Pis to Andrea Preti

Venus Williams, one of tennis's most iconic and enduring figures, has largely maintained a private stance regarding her personal life, especially her romantic relationships. Despite her immense public profile as a Grand Slam champion and a trailblazer in sports, Williams has carefully navigated the spotlight, revealing only glimpses of her romantic journey. Her approach to love has often reflected her independent spirit and focus on her career, emphasizing personal happiness over societal expectations of marriage and family. However, a closer look at her publicly known relationships reveals a deliberate and thoughtful path through the complexities of celebrity romance.

Venus Williams' romantic history began to draw public attention with her relationship with professional golfer Hank Kuehne. Their romance spanned approximately three years, from 2007 to 2010. The couple maintained a notably private relationship, a characteristic that would become a hallmark of Williams' dating life. Despite their low-key approach, there were reports of an engagement, though details remained scarce. Kuehne, a fellow athlete, seemingly understood the demands of a high-profile career, allowing their bond to develop away from intense media scrutiny. The reasons for their eventual separation were never widely publicized, aligning with Williams' preference for discretion in personal matters. Following their split, Kuehne went on to marry in 2011.

After her relationship with Kuehne, Williams was linked to Cuban model Elio Pis. Their serious relationship reportedly lasted for five years, from 2012 to 2017. The two were first seen together in 2012, notably at the US Open, where Pis was observed alongside Williams' family, signaling the seriousness of their connection. Their paths initially crossed professionally, as Pis had worked with Williams on her athletic wear clothing line, EleVen. This shared professional interest provided a foundation for their relationship, and they were even photographed modeling for the brand together. While their romance was more public than her previous one, they largely kept details out of the headlines. The exact timing and reasons for their breakup in 2017 remain unclear, though reports suggested the relationship simply ran its course. They were, however, seen having dinner together later that year, sparking brief reconciliation rumors that did not materialize.

In 2017, Williams began dating financier Nicholas Hammond. Their relationship was publicly noted from 2017 until their split in June 2019, spanning approximately two years. Hammond, an heir to a significant communications fortune, was 12 years Williams' junior. Their relationship quickly became more visible, with the couple frequently photographed together. Hammond notably accompanied Williams to her sister Serena's wedding in New Orleans, a significant public appearance that confirmed their bond. Sources close to the couple described them as "cuddled up" and "head over heels" for each other. Hammond even reportedly gifted Williams a "friendship ring," a gesture that fueled engagement speculation, though sources clarified that marriage was not explicitly discussed. The breakup in 2019 was reported to be amicable, with sources indicating that the relationship had simply run its course. Some reports suggested that differing perspectives on marriage and starting a family, given their age difference, may have contributed to their parting, though they reportedly remained friends.

More recently, Venus Williams has been the subject of dating rumors involving fellow tennis player Reilly Opelka. These rumors circulated primarily in 2021 and 2022, after the two were frequently seen together, sparking speculation among fans and media alike. However, Williams herself publicly addressed these rumors, humorously clarifying their relationship status. In an Instagram Q&A, when asked if she and Opelka were dating, she responded, > "No @ReillyOpelka shot me down." This statement, delivered with her characteristic wit, confirmed that their bond was one of close friendship rather than romance, dispelling the widespread speculation.

As of recent reports, Venus Williams has found love with Italian actor and producer Andrea Preti. The couple was first linked in July 2024, when they were spotted together in Italy, and their relationship has since garnered increasing public attention. In January 2025, Williams shared a selfie with Preti on her Instagram Stories, affectionately calling him "the best company." The most significant development came in February 2025, when Williams was seen wearing a sparkling diamond ring on her left hand while with Preti outside a tennis training session in Rome. This sighting immediately ignited engagement rumors, though neither Williams nor Preti have officially confirmed them. Preti, born in Denmark and raised in Italy, has a background in modeling before transitioning to acting and producing. Their relationship, though still relatively new in the public eye, appears to be a significant chapter in Williams' romantic life, suggesting a potential shift in her previously guarded approach to long-term commitment.

Throughout her illustrious career, Venus Williams has consistently expressed a clear and independent perspective on her personal life. She has often stated her contentment with her single status and her freedom, challenging societal pressures to marry or have children. As she told Cosmopolitan in 2021, > "I have a lot of friends who don’t believe me when I say that I like my life and I don’t want to change it for any reason. I’m not desperate and they don’t believe me." This steadfast self-assurance has defined her romantic journey, allowing her to pursue relationships on her own terms. While her past relationships have been marked by privacy and a focus on mutual understanding, her current connection with Andrea Preti, and the accompanying engagement rumors, hint at a new, perhaps more settled, phase in the romantic life of this tennis legend.