Andrea Preti, fiancé of Venus Williams, expressed admiration for her partner Reilly Opelka following their mixed doubles participation at the 2025 US Open held at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Williams and Preti, who confirmed their relationship publicly in June 2024 and announced their engagement during the 2025 Citi DC Open, witnessed their mixed doubles journey together amid the New York Grand Slam event.
Prior to the mixed doubles contest at the US Open, Williams and Opelka both competed in various tournaments including the Citi DC Open and Cincinnati Open, where they prepared for their partnership on the New York courts. Williams played in Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati, while Opelka also vied at the Canadian Open.
Mixed Doubles Performance and Social Media Reactions
Williams and Opelka entered the 2025 US Open mixed doubles draw with a wild card but were eliminated in the opening round by the duo of Karolína Muchová and Andrey Rublev, losing 2-4, 4-5(4). Despite the first-round exit, Preti shared a photo on social media highlighting the camaraderie between him and Opelka, praising the tennis player by stating that he “rocks.”
In the lead-up tournaments, Williams received a wild card into the Cincinnati Open’s main draw but was defeated in the first round by Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro. Opelka, competing in the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, advanced to the third round after wins over Hugo Dellien and sixth-seeded Alex de Minaur before losing to Francisco Comesaña.
Reilly Opelka Reflects on His Connection with Venus Williams
Before starting their US Open mixed doubles effort, Opelka spoke about the strong friendship he shares with Venus Williams. He emphasized the many interests they have in common, which have deepened their bond over the years, including their love of tennis, art, and culinary experiences.
We both have a lot in common. We both love tennis. We both love art. We both live in South Florida. We practice together in West Palm Beach a few times, and then we’re traveling and playing a lot of the same tournaments, and going to a lot of museums and art galleries, and we’re foodies. So, it’s a great friendship. I’ve been so lucky,
Opelka said.
He also credited Williams for being a crucial support during a difficult period when he was injured and uncertain about his future in tennis. Opelka praised her unwavering encouragement and described her as an exceptional friend who stood by him when he needed it most.
When I was injured and not in a great spot, just a spot of doubt or not sure what I would do with myself, she was one of the few people who was always there, always in my corner, and just an amazing friend to have. There’s a reason why she has won so many Slams, won Wimbledon a million times, and played in the hardest era, too,
he added.
Upcoming Singles Competitions and Career Highlights
Both Williams and Opelka are scheduled to compete in the singles draw at the 2025 US Open, set to take place from August 24 to September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Williams is a former champion of the New York Major, having secured titles in 2000 and 2001 by defeating Lindsay Davenport and Serena Williams in the finals, respectively.
Opelka’s best US Open performance came in 2021, when he advanced to the fourth round by beating Kwon Soon-woo, Lorenzo Musetti, and Nikoloz Basilashvili before falling to Lloyd Harris in a competitive matchup. Their upcoming singles campaigns are highly anticipated following their collaboration in mixed doubles.
Significance of the Partnership and What Lies Ahead
The partnership between Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka at the US Open mixed doubles event, despite its early conclusion, highlighted a genuine friendship and mutual respect that extends beyond the court. Andrea Preti’s public praise of Opelka underscores the strong personal connections forged through tennis, reflecting a positive and hopeful dynamic as both players prepare for their singles contests.
Their continued presence at the 2025 US Open singles tournament is expected to draw attention given their histories and shared experiences. This partnership illustrates the blending of professional competitiveness with personal support, a combination that could influence their performances moving forward in this major tennis season.