Continuous good news in the tennis world: 45-year-old Venus Williams ties the knot; 44-year-old Anna Kournikova welcomes her fourth child

In December, as tennis moves into its offseason, two pieces of heartwarming news brightened the sports scene like rays of sunshine. These moments outside the arena seem to remind us that regardless of the outcomes on the court, life is the most enduring contest of all.

On December 17, Anna Kournikova, known as the "tennis sweetheart," reached another important moment in her life. The 44-year-old former tennis star and the 50-year-old Spanish pop icon Enrique welcomed their fourth child, adding a new chapter to their more than two-decade-long relationship.

Rewinding to the early 2000s, when the romance between this Russian tennis player and the Latin music superstar first became public, it caused a global media sensation. Now, over twenty years later, their love has not only endured the test of time but has flourished and grown stronger.

Previously, the couple already had 8-year-old twins and a 5-year-old daughter. The arrival of this new life has made their international family even more complete. Since retiring, Kournikova has kept a low profile focusing on family life, occasionally appearing at charity tennis events, while Enrique continues his music career. They maintain a perfect balance in the public eye, sharing joyful moments while protecting their family's privacy.

Almost simultaneously, another happy announcement emerged from the sunny state of Florida. Tennis legend Venus Williams, 45, officially married her boyfriend Andrea Petkovic, who is eight years her junior, last week.

This seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and one of women's tennis legends has finally found her perfect partner in life. Venus has always kept her romantic life private, and her relationship with Andrea became known to the public only after it stabilized. Her boyfriend, eight years younger, is not from the sports world; their connection across different fields resembles a well-timed and harmonious volley at the net in tennis.

Venus’s sister Serena has long settled down with two children, and now with Venus finding her happiness, the Williams family saga adds a warm family chapter. Even at 45, Venus remains passionate about tennis, with no plans to retire, while also managing her fashion brand and investment ventures.

These joyful news arrive just as the new season is about to begin, seemingly signaling a year full of hope and renewal in tennis. In competitive sports, we often focus on scores, rankings, and trophies, but these off-court happy moments remind us that athletes’ lives extend far beyond the matches.

Anna Kournikova and Venus Williams, two tennis players from the same era with different career paths, have both found their own rhythm in life. Whether it is Kournikova welcoming a new child at 44 or Venus starting married life at 45, they prove that life’s pivotal moments are not bound by age—everyone follows their unique timeline.

As the new season’s battles are about to begin, players will again compete for glory, but these heartwarming family stories bring a human touch to the fiercely competitive tennis world. After all, every intense match eventually ends, but the love and support from family remain a lifelong stable foundation.

On the tennis court, every point offers a fresh start; in life, every new phase deserves celebration. Perhaps this is the most important message these joyful announcements convey—regardless of age or achievements, love and new beginnings are always worth anticipating and cherishing.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)