The Unstoppable Venus Williams: A 2026 Profile of the Queen of the Court

Imagine a foggy morning in Compton, California, in the mid-1980s. While most kids were asleep, two young sisters were dodging more than just tennis balls—they were dodging the harsh realities of their neighborhood to chase a dream that seemed impossible.

One of those girls was Venus Ebony Starr Williams. Today, she isn’t just a tennis player; she is a global icon, a savvy entrepreneur, and a newlywed who continues to redefine what “retirement” looks like. As of 2026, Venus remains a symbol of grace, grit, and the power of a quiet revolution.

2025: A Year of Love and New Beginnings

If 2024 was about a return to the court, 2025 was about the heart. For years, fans asked, “Is Venus Williams in a relationship?” or “Did Venus Williams get married?” The answer arrived in spectacular fashion.

In September 2025, Venus married Italian actor and producer Andrea Preti. The couple first sparked rumors in mid-2024 when they were spotted on a yacht along the Amalfi Coast. Their love story reached a crescendo with a two-part celebration:

• The Italian Dream: An intimate, romantic ceremony on September 18 in Ischia, Italy.

• The Florida Festivities: A five-day “wedding marathon” in December 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida, including a yacht day gifted by her sister, Serena.

• The Legal “I Do”: A private courthouse ceremony at 6:45 AM on December 19, 2025, ensuring they had the place entirely to themselves.

Venus joked with Vogue that they had to marry twice because of the complex paperwork for foreigners in Italy. “I didn’t want to be the team captain,” she said of their wedding sports day, “I just wanted to be on the team with my husband.”

Quick Facts: Venus Williams at a Glance

The Compton Roots: Raising a Champion

Born in Lynwood and raised in Compton, Venus was the fourth of five daughters born to Richard Williams and Oracene Price. Her upbringing was a blend of strict discipline and unwavering belief.

Richard Williams famously wrote a 78-page plan for his daughters’ careers before they were even born. While critics accused him of being too intense, Venus remembers it differently. She often speaks of the municipal courts where they practiced, sometimes hearing gunfire in the distance, which taught her a level of focus that few other players could match.

Overcoming the “Invisible” Opponent: Sjogren’s Syndrome

Many fans wonder, “What is Venus Williams’ disability?” In 2011, at the height of her career, Venus was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease.

It wasn’t a physical injury like a torn ACL, but it was just as devastating. The condition causes:

• Extreme fatigue

• Joint pain

• Dry eyes and mouth

For seven years before her diagnosis, Venus felt “crazy,” wondering why her body was failing her. Today, she manages it with a strict plant-based diet and a “quality over quantity” approach to training. Her resilience in playing through a chronic illness has inspired millions of people living with “invisible” disabilities.

Career Milestones: Changing the Game

Venus didn’t just win matches; she changed the law. In 2007, she was the primary force behind Wimbledon finally awarding equal prize money to male and female players.

Notable Achievements:

• 7 Grand Slam Singles Titles: (5 Wimbledon, 2 US Open).

• 14 Grand Slam Doubles Titles: All won with her sister, Serena.

• 4 Olympic Gold Medals: The most of any tennis player in history (shared with Serena).

• World No. 1: She was the first African American woman in the Open Era to reach the top spot.

The “Sister Rivalry”: Who is Richer, Serena or Venus?

The bond between Venus and Serena is unbreakable, but the financial comparison is a common point of curiosity for researchers.

• Venus Williams Net Worth (2026): Estimated at $90–$95 million. Her wealth comes from $42.6 million in prize money and her successful businesses, EleVen (activewear) and V Starr (interior design).

• Serena Williams Net Worth: Estimated at $350 million. Serena’s higher title count and massive “Serena Ventures” investment portfolio give her the financial edge.

Despite the gap, Venus is often cited as the “CEO” of the family, having pioneered the business-first mindset that both sisters now employ.

Life Beyond the Baseline

Venus has always been more than a backhand. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Indiana University East and an associate degree in Fashion Design.

1. V Starr Interiors: Her firm has designed everything from luxury condos to tennis facilities.

2. EleVen by Venus: A brand built on the idea of being “better than a 10.”

3. Advocacy: She continues to fight for gender pay equity and mental health awareness in sports.

What’s Next for Venus Williams?

As we move through 2026, Venus has not officially retired from the WTA tour, though she plays a much more selective schedule. Encouraged by her husband, Andrea, she has hinted at a few more “last dances” on the grass of Wimbledon.

Whether she is holding a trophy or a design blueprint, Venus Williams remains a masterclass in longevity. She proved that you don’t have to be “superhuman” to change the world—you just have to keep showing up, even on the days when your body wants to stay in bed.

“Tennis is just a game, but the lessons I’ve learned—about resilience, about failure, and about love—those are forever.” — Venus Williams, 2025.

Sources:

1. Vogue Magazine, “Inside Venus Williams’ Two Dream Weddings,” December 2025.

2. People, “Venus Williams and Andrea Preti: A Timeline,” 2025.

3. WTA Official Rankings & Prize Money Database, 2025.

4. Forbes, “The Business of the Williams Sisters,” 2025.

5. Harper’s Bazaar, “Venus Williams on Sjogren’s and Mental Health,” 2024.

6. The Independent, “Venus Williams Courthouse Wedding Details,” December 2025.

What do you think of Venus’s recent wedding news? Share your favorite Venus Williams moment in the comments below!