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Venus Williams and Serena Williams | Source: Getty Images
Venus Williams and Serena Williams | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams Spotted Cozying up to Italian Actor Who Looks 'Like Serena's Husband' on a Yacht, Igniting Talks

Naomi Wanjala
Aug 02, 2024
06:30 A.M.

Tennis powerhouse Venus Williams, known for keeping her romantic life under wraps, has recently been seen with a new man.

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Venus has been soaking up the Italian sun this summer, and it looks like she's sharing the experience with actor and director Andrea Preti.

A fan comment dated July 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/deuxmoi

A fan comment dated July 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/deuxmoi

While the status of their relationship remains unconfirmed, the pair appeared quite cozy on a yacht in Nerano, Italy. Venus opted for a laid-back look in a sleeveless brown dress, her hair neatly styled in a high bun.

Andrea complemented her style with a crisp white shirt, vibrant pants, and a pair of sleek black sunglasses. They were spotted enjoying the day with friends, radiating joy and companionship.

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Photos of the duo have sparked a buzz online. In one snapshot, Venus is seated while Andrea affectionately wraps his arms around her shoulders. Another candid moment captures Andrea whispering something sweet into Venus' ear, making her beam with happiness.

Fans have been abuzz with speculation and reactions. Some pointed out a resemblance between Andrea and Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, with comments like, "Why does he look like Serena's husband?" and "He sort of looks like her sister's husband. Handsome."

Meanwhile, others voiced their support, with one fan declaring, "They look happy and content like normal people," and another enthusiastically adding, "Get it, girl! We're rooting for you...he's fine too[sic]!"

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Some expressed their delight for Venus, stating, "So happy for Venus, she deserves happiness too!" with another cheerfully proclaiming, "Yea Sis!!!" However, not everyone was thrilled about the public scrutiny.

A fan comment dated July 29, 2024 | Source: X/HRHStillStacie

A fan comment dated July 29, 2024 | Source: X/HRHStillStacie

A few fans urged others to respect Venus' privacy, saying, "Ok leave her alone" and "Whatever she does, and who she does it with is her business!!!" Additionally, some were puzzled about the situation, asking, "Omg what about Reilly Opelka?!" referencing someone who fans assumed she was dating.

Reilly, a fellow tennis player, had been frequently spotted with Venus, sparking speculation about their relationship. Venus and Reilly were seen together at several high-profile events, including the Citi Taste of Tennis in Miami in March 2022, where they made a joint appearance on the red carpet.

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Reilly Opelka, Venus Williams and David Shim attend Citi Taste Of Tennis Miami 2022 at the JW Marriott Miami on March 21, 2022, in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Reilly Opelka, Venus Williams and David Shim attend Citi Taste Of Tennis Miami 2022 at the JW Marriott Miami on March 21, 2022, in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Their connection continued to turn heads in December 2023 at another star-studded event in Florida, where they posed for photos at an all-black affair, adding to the intrigue. Their public appearances didn't stop there.

Wayne Boich, Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka attend Wayne & Cynthia Boich's Art Basel party on December 08, 2023, in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Wayne Boich, Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka attend Wayne & Cynthia Boich's Art Basel party on December 08, 2023, in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

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In June of this year, Venus attended the Prada fashion show with Reilly by her side, sharing their chic moments on her Facebook page.

The stunning photos of the pair dressed to impress sparked a flurry of positive comments from fans. "Idk... but y'all make a cute couple[sic]," one admirer said, while another added, "Absolutely gorgeous!! Nice couple!" Someone else curiously asked, "So, he is the one 🤔."

Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka attend the Prada Spring/Summer 2025 Menswear Fashion Show on June 16, 2024, in Milan, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka attend the Prada Spring/Summer 2025 Menswear Fashion Show on June 16, 2024, in Milan, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Despite these previous connections, the current speculation surrounding Venus and Andrea Preti has certainly stirred up conversation. Andrea, a Danish native raised in Italy, has built a name for himself in the acting world.

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Per IMDb, he trained at the Susan Batson Academy in New York City and has been featured in projects like "One More Day," "Temptations," and "My Beloved Enemy."

Though Venus likes to keep her love life private, she was romantically linked to model Elio Pis in 2012. However, she revealed a decade later in an interview that she wasn't rushing into settling down.

Venus Williams attends the Prada Spring/Summer 2025 Menswear Fashion Show on June 16, 2024 in Milan, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams attends the Prada Spring/Summer 2025 Menswear Fashion Show on June 16, 2024 in Milan, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

She shared that many of her friends were skeptical when she expressed contentment with her life as it was, suggesting she might be missing out on opportunities. Venus firmly stated that she was not desperate and was comfortable with her situation.

In a different interview in October 2022, Venus spoke candidly about her dating life. She admitted that having been single for an extended period made it challenging to transition out of that phase.

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Venus Williams at The 2024 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams at The 2024 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Venus reflected on how being single prompts self-examination and personal growth. She expressed that when the right person comes into her life, she's open to embracing change.

The tennis star has been on the public's radar lately and during the 2024 ESPY Awards, she ignited hot debate online after netizens speculated she had issues with Prince Harry after a video showed her reaction to him during the event.

An X user's comment about Venus Williams's reaction to Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards, posted in July 2024. | Source: x.com/05keeponsmiling

An X user's comment about Venus Williams's reaction to Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards, posted in July 2024. | Source: x.com/05keeponsmiling

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At the Dolby Theatre where the award took place, Venus, who sported straight black hair, wore a stunning green halter dress that highlighted her strong physique. She attended the event alongside her sister Serena Williams.

Venus Williams appears serious at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Venus Williams appears serious at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Serena turned heads in a red sequinned dress and blonde hair with a few strands framing her face. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the occasion in style.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Serena Williams attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024.  | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Serena Williams attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

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Harry wore a sharp black suit and a buttoned white shirt, while his wife, Meghan, dazzled in an elegant white halter dress. The duchess's hair was styled in a sleek low bun.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Beyond the glamorous evening, it highlighted Harry receiving the prestigious Pat Tillman Award. The hosts called the prince to come on stage to accept the award.

As soon as his name was announced, Meghan immediately stood up and enthusiastically applauded her husband. Her gesture sparked a standing ovation from many in the audience at the theatre.

Venus Williams watches Prince Harry walk up to the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Venus Williams watches Prince Harry walk up to the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

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However, Venus, who was seated next to the royal couple, remained in her seat, with a serious expression. The acclaimed tennis player simply watched Meghan support her husband, without joining in.

Meghan Markle applauds from the back as Prince Harry walks up the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Meghan Markle applauds from the back as Prince Harry walks up the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Despite the event's joyful atmosphere, Venus's stoic demeanor caught the public's attention. As a result, X, formerly Twitter, quickly lit up with reactions to the tennis star's behavior.

Venus Williams gazes sideways as Meghan Markle applauds Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Venus Williams gazes sideways as Meghan Markle applauds Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

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One user pointed out that you don't need to be a royal fan to notice that Venus and her mother didn't stand or applaud. Another found humor in the situation. This user wrote, "Harry must feel the disgust emanating from Venus. 😂"

Venus Williams watches Meghan Markle standing and applauding for Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Venus Williams watches Meghan Markle standing and applauding for Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

The tension was palpable for some viewers. "They must have noticed that penetrative stare from Venus," another assumed. "Venus's body language speaks volumes," an X user observed.

Venus Williams, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

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Amid the netizens' assumptions about Venus's serious expression, the show remained heartwarming. In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry thanked the Pat Tillman Foundation for recognizing his efforts.

He also thanked the Tilman family, especially Pat's mother, Mary. He dedicated the award to the veterans and service personnel involved in the Invictus Games. He also praised them, highlighting how the Games unite people and help them heal.

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