Venus Williams is athletic royalty. With seven Grand Slam Titles and 14 major doubles titles with her equally stellar sister Serena Williams, she’s one of the best female tennis players in history. At 44 years old, the professional tennis player has no plans of slowing down.
Did Venus Williams Retire?
Venus Williams isn’t retired. The tennis player told Irish News in 2024 that she’s “not done with the racket yet.”
“It’s about picking and choosing places I want to be,” Williams told the outlet. “Last year I really wanted to play in Miami – home – because I hadn’t played there in like five years.”
Williams is balancing a lifestyle where she’s gets to playing the sport she loves while also venturing into new projects.
Why Did Venus Williams Stop Playing Tennis?
While Williams is still playing tennis, she lost her most recent match. While playing Nao Hibino at the Indian Wells, Williams’ score resulted in a loss. As a seasoned tennis player, Williams knows the technique; however, her body has experienced many injuries, which, like any athlete, affects her performance. In 2023, she fell and twisted her bandaged knee during a match against Elina Svitolina.
Is Venus Williams Dating?
Williams is not married. During the pandemic, Williams also expressed no interest in being a wife.
“I get a lot of questions asking if I am married, am I getting married, or if I will marry you. The answer is NO to all of them,” the athlete told her followers on Instagram Live in 2020.
However, in 2025, the star tennis player sparked engagement rumors with boyfriend Andrea Preti. It seems as though Williams may have different plans for her life. Preti is an Italian actor-producer and has allegedly been dating Williams since 2024. In 2025, photos obtained by People showcased the alleged couple embracing each other. A closer look showcased Williams wearing a stunning diamond ring on her left hand.
Her ex-boyfriends include financier Nicholas Hammond, whom she dated from 2017 to 2019, model Elio Pis, and pro golfer Hank Kuehne.
What Does Venus Williams Do Outside of Tennis?
Williams has other career interests outside of tennis. She’s been a global ambassador for clothing brand Lacoste since 2022. In 2023, she ventured more into the fashion industry by collaborating with the French brand on her activewear line EleVen. The rollout included sporty fashion pieces, like tennis skirts and tracksuits, with a preppy flare. In 2024, Williams co-founded Palazzo, a platform for decorating homes.
“As a travel enthusiast, I’ve come to appreciate the sanctuary of home, a space that reflects my personality and cherished memories,” she said in a caption for the announcement on X. “That’s why I’m excited to introduce Palazzo, a groundbreaking platform I co-founded with Edward Lando and Raffi Holzer. Palazzo makes interior design easy and accessible, empowering you to tell your unique story through your space. With our AI assistant, turning inspiration into stunning reality is a breeze.”
This career move is on brand for Williams. She previously studied interior design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh-Online Division and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.