Venus follows Serena with important new role as next event looms | Tennis | Sport

Venus Williams has been confirmed as one of the co-chairs of the 2026 Met Gala, alongside Beyonce, Nicole Kidman and, of course, Anna Wintour. Dubbed fashion’s biggest night out, the Met Gala takes place on the first Monday in May every year and raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Each year, a lineup of A-List co-chairs is announced. Venus’ sister Serena co-chaired the 2019 Met Gala with Lady Gaga, Harry Styles and Gucci’s Alessandro Michele. Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton was involved in the event earlier this year. And Venus will now take on the role next spring.

The American has been busy off the court since her US Open doubles exit. She got engaged to Italian actor Andrea Preti earlier this year, and finally shared details of the engagement on social media last week.

Venus shared a series of photos of herself wearing a white dress and embracing Preti. “Engaged 1/31/25,” she wrote, revealing that he popped the question all the way back in January. Coco Gauff, Caroline Wozniacki, and Billie Jean King were among those who sent their well-wishes to the couple.

During her Washington comeback this year, Venus gave Preti a shoutout when she stunned then-world No. 35 Peyton Stearns. “My fiance is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” she said.

That encouragement will no doubt continue as Venus heads to New Zealand for the ASB Classic. She recently faced Madison Keys in the Charlotte Invitational exhibition match, ramping up her preparations for the 2026 season. And it seems Venus will continue to juggle tennis with her off-court endeavours after being enlisted as next year’s Met Gala co-chair.