At 45, Serena Williams steps into matrimony, the "living legend" of tennis continues to compete in the new season.

Last weekend, American tennis legend Venus Williams vowed to her fiancé Andre Prettis in Palm Beach, Florida. The five-day lavish celebration was marked by a queenly grandeur.

Vogue exclusively disclosed numerous details about this extraordinary celebration: on September 18, the couple held a wedding ceremony in the groom’s hometown in Italy. This time, dozens of close friends gathered in Palm Beach to attend multiple exclusive events — daily pool parties at the couple’s residence, a bridal-themed pre-wedding party, and a fun-filled sports day featuring volleyball, tennis, dodgeball, unicycle races, and pickleball among others.

Serena Williams’ personal stylist, Kesha McLeod, designed over ten stunning outfits for the various wedding events. The entire wedding was organized by the same team who arranged Serena’s wedding eight years ago, while younger sister Venus played a key role on her sister’s big day. Venus hosted a yacht party on Monday night for the couple and guests, personally managing all the food and arrangements for the event.

Wedding group photo

Photo: Player’s social media

Venus shared a heartfelt message for her sister on her personal social media: “Watching you surrounded by love, stepping into a new chapter of life, feels like witnessing the sunrise — calm, magnificent, full of hope.”

“From backyard tennis courts to the world’s top arenas, you have always embodied elegance as your core and resilience as your spirit, with a heart far greater than any trophy. You are my lifelong companion, my protector, my guide, constantly reminding me to stay true and steady. Seeing you this happy, loved, and radiant means everything to me. Standing by your side in this life fills me with pride, not just today but every year to come.”

On Friday, the couple first completed their registration at the city hall. Serena described the ceremony as “beautiful, peaceful, sacred, thrilling, and uplifting — like a dream.” The next day, she wore a custom Georges Hobeika wedding gown and formally exchanged vows. The white sheer mermaid dress was adorned with intricate beadwork, featuring a heart-shaped deep V neckline paired with delicate thin straps, highlighting her graceful figure.

Sisters’ warm photo together

Photo: Player’s social media

In July this year, Serena Williams, using a wildcard, defeated Sloane Stephens in the first round of the WTA 500 Washington tournament, becoming the second oldest female player to win a tour-level singles match in the Open Era. At that time, Prettis was present in the stands, witnessing the moment as her fiancé. Serena credited this achievement to his support and encouragement.

“My fiancé was right there, always encouraging me to keep competing. Many times, I just wanted to go with the flow and take a break. You can’t imagine how tough tennis is, the sweat and effort behind it are immeasurable. It’s a full-time, high-intensity job, like a nine-to-five hustle but you have to keep running constantly.”

Serena Williams

Photo: Visual China

“Day after day of heavy training, exhausted to the extreme, and then repeating it all again the next day. He stood by me through these tough times, and I am deeply grateful to be here now. Before this, he had never watched me play.” After the wedding ended and the gown was put away, Serena Williams is set to regroup and return to competition. She has confirmed receiving a wildcard for the first week of the new season’s WTA 250 Auckland tournament, and the remaining Australian Open women’s singles main draw wildcard is very likely reserved for this tennis legend.

(Text and editing: Dato)