Venus Williams, the iconic tennis star who has been a prominent figure in the sports world for decades, 

recently sparked rumors of a possible engagement when she was spotted wearing a dazzling diamond ring on her left hand.

The 44-year-old athlete was seen sharing an intimate moment with actor Andrea Preti, 36, outside a tennis training session in Rome.

The pair appeared to be quite cozy, exchanging kisses and enjoying each other’s company, leading fans

and onlookers to wonder if wedding bells might soon be ringing for the famous tennis pro.

In photos obtained by *PEOPLE*, Venus and Andrea were seen affectionately kissing each other, with Preti planting a sweet kiss on Venus’ cheek, as she beamed with happiness.

Their connection seemed undeniable, with the two sharing several tender moments. At one point, Preti even watched Williams practice her tennis skills from the sidelines, showing clear support for her athletic endeavors.

However, it wasn’t just their affectionate gestures that caught attention – the sparkling diamond ring on Venus’ left hand was hard to miss.

The ring appeared to feature a square-cut diamond set in a pavé band, prompting many to speculate about its significance.

While it’s unclear how long Venus and Andrea have been together, their bond has been public for several months. The couple was first photographed together in July 2024 while on vacation in Nerano, Italy, located along the picturesque Amalfi Coast.

During their Mediterranean getaway, Venus wore a casual olive green dress, while Andrea sported a white button-down shirt and sunglasses.

Their vacation moments were filled with affection, including a cozy boating trip together, hinting that their relationship had grown stronger over time.

Further glimpses into their relationship were revealed through other public outings. The couple was also photographed walking hand-in-hand through New York City, showing their ease and comfort with one another.

In these photos, Venus kept it casual in a white tank top, green shorts, and a hat, while Andrea opted for a laid-back look with gray sweatpants and a black shirt.

The sight of the two walking together, hand-in-hand, sparked more curiosity about the depth of their relationship.

The romance between Williams and Preti seems to have blossomed in recent months, with Venus even sharing a sweet moment on Instagram from a vacation in the Bahamas.

In a photo posted on her Instagram Stories, Venus and Andrea posed side by side, and she wrote that he was “the best company.” This intimate post gave fans a glimpse of their growing closeness, further fueling speculation that the couple is becoming increasingly serious.

Venus Williams’ dating history has included high-profile relationships, including one with model Elio Pis in 2012 and another with businessman Nicholas Hammond in 2017. However, her relationship with Hammond ended in 2019.

Despite the challenges of past relationships, Venus has remained optimistic about her future in love. In an October 2022 interview with *Glamour UK*, she opened up about the importance of self-reflection during her time as a single woman.

“I’ve had a single life for a long time, and I think it’s really easy to get stuck in a single life,” she shared, explaining how it can sometimes be difficult to step out of that phase. Nevertheless, she added that when the right person comes along, she is open to embracing change and going with the flow.

“Life changes, and you’ve got to know when to change,” Williams noted. She explained that in her experience, it’s essential not to hold on to a single status or a past relationship, but to embrace new opportunities and growth.

With her relationship with Andrea Preti seemingly flourishing, it’s clear that Venus is now at a place in her life where she is ready for whatever comes next.

As speculation continues to swirl, only time will tell whether Venus Williams and Andrea Preti are preparing to take the next step in their relationship.

But for now, their public displays of affection and the noticeable diamond ring have certainly sparked a new wave of excitement among fans, eager to see if wedding bells are indeed in the future for the legendary tennis star.