- Tennis legend Pete Sampras has disclosed that his wife, Bridgette Wilson Sampras is battling ovarian cancer
- Sampras reached out to the tennis community, requesting their good thoughts and prayers
- Bridgette is a celebrated American actress
Tennis legend Pete Sampras has disclosed that his wife, Bridgette Wilson Sampras, is currently battling ovarian cancer.
In a rare departure from his typically private nature, Sampras reached out to the tennis community, requesting their good thoughts and prayers during this difficult period.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion is known for keeping his personal life out of the public eye, but he chose to issue a statement through the ATP Tour.
His wife, Bridgette, is a former actress renowned for her roles in popular series like Saved By The Bell, Murder, She Wrote, Frasier, and CSI: Miami.
She received an ovarian cancer diagnosis in late 2022 and has since undergone surgery and chemotherapy. Sampras said that although he values his privacy, he feels a problem shared is half solved.
Pete Sampras with his wife Bridgette Wilson Sampras. Photo/Fox Sports
“As many have come to understand, I am typically a reserved and private individual. Nevertheless, the past year has presented exceptional challenges for my family, and I have decided to share what we have been going through,” his statement read.
“Last December, my wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since then, she has had major surgery, pushed through chemotherapy and continues with targeted maintenance therapy.”
Bridgette, who clinched the title of Miss Teen USA in 1990, tied the knot with Sampras in September 2000, and together they have two sons – Christian Charles Sampras (20) and Ryan (18).
In addition to her television roles, she graced the silver screen with appearances in movies such as Billy Madison, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and The Wedding Planner.
Her final film role was in the 2008 biopic depicting the legendary boxer Sonny Liston, titled Phantom Punch. She also made an appearance in the TV series Carpoolers in the same year.
The former world No 1 continued by stating, “It’s incredibly tough to witness someone you love facing such a challenge. Nevertheless, witnessing our sons step up and offer unwavering support to Bridgette, me, and one another has been truly remarkable.”
Pete Sampras with his wife Bridgette Wilson Sampras. Photo/The Standard
Sampras, who retired from professional tennis in 2002 to dedicate more time to his family, also lauded his wife of 23 years for her tremendous courage while confronting one of the most significant battles in their lives.
He said that observing Bridgette continue to be an exceptional mother and wife throughout this journey is a great source of inspiration.
Her battle with ovarian cancer says he has realized that it’s difficult to seek support when a situation is too difficult to discuss.
However, reaching out to the tennis community for prayers and good thoughts lightens the burden and he is hopeful that Bridgette battle the illness successfully.
Sampras’ opened up months after another legendary American tennis player Martina Navratilova talked about her journey with cancer.
She happily informed her tennis fans that she had successfully beaten both throat and breast cancer according to reports by her doctors in June 2023.
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