Tennis news: Serena's heartfelt tribute as Venus Williams marries Andrea Preti in dreamy dual celebrations

Serena Williams shared a heartfelt tribute to her sister Venus, celebrating her recent marriage to Italian actor Andrea Preti. The couple wed in Ischia, Italy, followed by a Palm Beach celebration.

Venus and Serena together at Venus' wedding ceremony. Image | X

Serena Williams shared an emotional tribute to her sister Venus, celebrating Venus' marriage to Italian actor and producer Andrea Preti. The seven-time Grand Slam champion tied the knot twice: first in a romantic ceremony in Ischia, Italy, on September 18, followed by a lavish five-day celebration in Palm Beach that culminated in an official ceremony over the weekend.

Heartfelt post from Serena for Venus and Andrea

Serena, ever the supportive sibling, shared stunning photos from the festivities on Instagram, captioning them with words that captured their unbreakable bond: "My sister's keeper. Venus, where do I even begin? From backyard courts to the world stage, you've always led with grace, strength, and heart. Seeing you step into this next chapter so loved and radiant means everything to me. Forever proud to stand beside you."

The post quickly went viral, resonating with fans who have followed the Williams sisters' journey from Compton kids dreaming on cracked public courts to dominating global tennis.

Serena's tribute highlighted Venus as her lifelong inspiration, a sentiment echoed in their shared history of 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and countless moments of mutual encouragement.

The Palm Beach festivities were a lavish affair, kicking off with a yacht day gifted by Serena herself , complete with gourmet food, music, and intimate gatherings for close family and friends.

Over the week, guests enjoyed pool parties at the couple's home, a boudoir-themed bridal shower featuring Beyoncé lip-sync battles, competitive sports days with pickleball and dodgeball, and elegant dinners. The official courthouse wedding took place early one morning for privacy, followed by a heartfelt ceremony where Venus and Andrea exchanged personalized vows in English and Italian.

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Venus, radiant in custom designs including a divine Georges Hobeika gown and Morilee New York dress, described the day as "the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest."

Andrea, overcome with emotion, called his bride "a goddess." Family members, including Serena, sisters Lyndrea and Isha, mother Oracene, and niece Justus, all donned white in a touching show of unity.

Venus and Andrea Preti’s love began in 2024

The couple's love story began serendipitously at a Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week in 2024, an event neither originally planned to attend. Quick texts turned into dates, and by January 2025, Andrea proposed in Tuscany under the stars.

Venus, who had been single for six years prior, knew almost immediately he was the one. Their Italian ceremony honored Andrea's heritage, while the Florida events celebrated Venus' roots and made the marriage legally official.

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At 45, Venus continues to defy expectations on the court, recently competing in the US Open and eyeing a remarkable return for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she already boasts four gold medals and one silver from five appearances.

Off the court, this new chapter brings a glow of personal happiness, with Andrea by her side as a supportive partner who encouraged her recent comeback.

Serena, retired since 2022 with 23 Grand Slams, has embraced motherhood and business ventures, while often crediting Venus for paving the way.

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