Venus Williams sparks engagement rumors after turning down tennis comeback
Venus Williams has not competed on a professional tennis court since the Miami Open last year, and she declined an opportunity to play at Indian Wells this week
Venus Williams appeared to flash an engagement ring as she spent time with partner Andrea Preti in Milan after turning down a return to Indian Wells.
Earlier this month, Williams was offered a wildcard to compete in Indian Wells, which would have represented her first professional tennis tournament since the Miami Open in March 2024. However, the World No. 975 declined the offer.
“No, I'm not playing… I’m actually not going, I'm going to be overseas,” Williams said. “I’m not going to be here. So I’m watching it on TV.
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“I found out about the wildcard when you guys did. I love Indian Wells and I would love to be there. If I could have accepted it, I would have been like ‘yes’, but I already have other commitments.”
Williams was unable to compete as she traveled to Italy with Preti for Milan Fashion Week. When leaving the Portrait Milano Hotel on Monday, Williams displayed a ring - which boasts a square-cut diamond in the middle - that suggested the duo may be engaged.
Preti, a famous Italian actor and filmmaker, helped the 44-year-old load her luggage into a car that transported them to Milan's train station. The ring certainly looks like it could be a wedding band, as it has been seen on her left ring finger several times already.
Williams and Preti have been linked romantically since they were first seen together on vacation in Nerano back in the summer. Less than a year later, engagement rumors are swirling even though Williams has not even confirmed her relationship status publicly.
It is unclear when exactly the pair began dating, with their trip to Nerano on the Amalfi Coast in July 2024 marking their first public appearance together. They were also pictured walking through New York City holding hands a month later, before enjoying a vacation in the Bahamas recently.
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On the court, the seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 took part in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and the Miami Open last year. She recently insisted retirement isn’t happening soon, even as she approaches 45 years of age.
“I’m not done with the racket yet,” Williams told Irish News. However, she will not be taking part at Indian Wells; tournament director Tommy Haas released a statement on social media, which read: “Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wild card this year. We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.”
The Indian Wells Open takes place in California, USA from 2-16 March.
