Venus Williams’ Engagement and Return to Tennis
Venus Williams‘ supporters erupted with excitement when she unveiled images from her engagement to actor Andrea Perti, marking a new chapter in her life. The seven-time Grand Slam winner returned to the court at the 2025 Citi Open after a year-long hiatus, and at 45 years old, she showcased her remarkable skills by defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns in a match warmly received by fans.
Surprising Revelations
During the winner’s interview post-match, a surprising revelation emerged as Williams mentioned that Perti was among the spectators, leading many to realize for the first time that the two were romantically involved. This surprising announcement caught the audience off guard due to Williams’ prolonged absence from tennis and her discretion regarding her personal life.
Celebrating Love and Motivation
On her Instagram, Williams celebrated their engagement with heartfelt images dated back to January 31, 2025, showing the couple basking in happiness together. She acknowledged that Perti played a crucial role in motivating her return to the competitive scene, emphasizing how his belief in her helped restore her confidence in the sport.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Williams, with a global following of millions, drew substantial attention with her social media post, which was flooded with congratulations and well wishes for her future with Perti. As she gears up for the 2026 season, she plans to kick things off at the ASB Classic in Auckland during the first week of January, aiming to expand her horizons outside American tournaments.
Recent Matches and Future Competitions
Her last match was a close contest in the 2025 US Open against Karolina Muchova, a player who reached the semifinals in two consecutive years. Instead of competing during the latter part of 2025, Williams chose to focus on her training for the forthcoming season.
Having previously participated in the ASB Classic, Williams has reached the quarterfinals there in the past. The tournament has seen prominent players like Coco Gauff, who won the event in both 2023 and 2024 but will now focus on the 2025 United Cup. Naomi Osaka also made headlines at the 2025 ASB Classic, although her final match ended prematurely due to an injury, resulting in Clara Tauson securing her first WTA title.
With her inclusion in the upcoming tournament, Williams not only continues the legacy of top-tier players competing at the ASB Classic but also promises an increase in ticket sales, as fans eagerly anticipate her performance in January.
