Venus Williams "knew" she would marry Andrea Preti after they dated in London

She told British Vogue: "We met at the Gucci show. I was in Lake Como on a sisters' trip when I got an invite at the last minute and decided to go on a whim, and Andrea was tired. Neither of us was planning on being there."

Venus and Andrea quickly developed a strong chemistry.

He recalled: "I saw V and wanted to introduce myself.

"She was on the sofa with her friends and family. I told her, 'You're so beautiful,' and then she started speaking with me in Italian. We had a little talk, and I asked if she wanted a drink. I went to the bar to get something, and her sister Lyn came to me and said, 'Do you mind if we start a WhatsApp conversation? I think my sister likes you.'"

Venus subsequently invited Andrea to an event in London and the couple quickly fell in love.

She said: "We wanted to be discreet at the time, but he really took care of me.

"After our dates in London, I just knew I was going to marry him. People always say they just know, and I just knew."

Venus and Andrea recently tied the knot, and Serena Williams, the tennis star's younger sister, has taken to social media to celebrate her sister's marriage.

Serena wrote on Instagram: "My sister's keeper. Venus, where do I even begin? From the backyard courts to the biggest stages in the world, you've always led with grace, strength, and a heart bigger than any trophy. Watching you step into this next chapter surrounded by love felt like watching the sun rise...steady, powerful, and full of promise.

"You've been my built-in best friend, my protector, my teacher, and my reminder to always walk in purpose. Seeing you this happy, this loved, this radiant... it means everything to me.

"To love, to partnership, to laughter, and to a lifetime of choosing each other every single day. I couldn't be prouder to stand beside you, not just today, but always. (sic)"