Venus Williams’ rise to tennis royalty began in Lynwood, California, where she was born on June 17, 1980. Venus Williams Age now 46 year old, Raised in Compton, she and her sister Serena were coached from an early age by their father, Richard Williams. Practicing on public courts amid gang activity, their dedication was fierce. By age 10, Venus was clocking serves at over 100 mph.
In 1991, the family moved to Florida to train with Rick Macci. At just 14, Venus turned pro in 1994, and by 1997, she became the first unseeded U.S. Open finalist in the Open era. It was a sign of what was to come.
Grand Slam Glory & Olympic Gold
Venus won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2000, followed by a U.S. Open win the same year. She successfully defended both titles in 2001 and also won Olympic gold in Sydney. In 2002, she became the world No. 1 for the first time. She later added Wimbledon titles in 2005, 2007, and 2008 to her resume.
In doubles, she and Serena formed an unstoppable team, capturing 14 Grand Slam titles and four Olympic gold medals. Venus’s 2008 win over Serena at Wimbledon remains one of the highlights of her career.
Health Battles and an Unshakable Comeback
In 2011, Venus was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease. She adjusted her lifestyle, focusing on wellness and plant-based nutrition. Despite recurring injuries, she returned to elite competition, reaching the Wimbledon and Australian Open finals in 2017.
Her resilience continued into her 40s. In 2025, after knee surgery and a long layoff, she scored a singles win at the D.C. Open, becoming the tour’s second-oldest female match winner. When asked about her return, she simply said, “I’m not here to prove anything to anyone.”
Life Beyond the Baseline
Venus has also excelled off the court. She’s the founder of EleVen, a fashion-forward activewear line, and V Starr, a design firm. She holds a business degree and has authored books on success and sports.
In 2025, she announced her engagement to Danish-Italian actor Andrea Preti, who encouraged her return to tennis. Their romance and two weddings—one in Italy and another in Florida—added a joyful chapter to Venus’s inspiring story.
