Pete Sampras' devastating revelation about wife as tennis world sends well-wishes
The tennis great has shared the battle his family has been enduring over the last 10 months.
The tennis community is rallying around Pete Sampras and wife Bridgette Wilson after he revealed on Sunday that she's been battling ovarian cancer. The American tennis great revealed in a statement that Bridgette was diagnosed last December.
"As most have come to know, I am a pretty quiet and private person," he said. "However, this past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family and I have decided to share what's been going on.
"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."
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Sampras revealed how tough the diagnosis has been on his family and asked fans to keep them in their thoughts. "It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this," he added. "However, seeing our boys step up and be such strong supporters of Bridgette, myself, and each other has been amazing. Watching Bridgette continue to be an incredible mom and wife through it all, has been inspiring.
"I have also learned that it is very hard to reach for support when something is simply too hard to talk about. With that said, I will end this by humbly asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues to thrive on her healing journey. Thank you."
Tennis world rallies around Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson
Sampras and Wilson have been married since 2000 and have two sons together - Christian and Ryan. Sampras is a notoriously private person - especially when it comes to family - but decided to share what they've been going through over the last 10 months.
A number of tennis players, commentators and fans sent their well-wishes to Sampras and Wilson amid the difficult time. Andy Murray wrote on social media: "All the best to your wife and your family Pete."
All the best to your wife and your family Pete 🙏
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) October 29, 2023
Pete, sending you and Bridgette the very best. Hoping for a full recovery. Knowing just how private you are, It was a gift for you to include us in your quest to see Bridgette well have a full recovery and receive support! 🕊Blessings to you both!
— Deborah Walker✨ (@djwalker011) October 29, 2023
Wishing her and their family all the best. 🙏 Praying for a complete recovery.
— Priscilla Pilon (@PriscillaPilon) October 29, 2023
Pete, breaks my heart to hear about Bridgette. Positive thoughts for your family. Think strong, stay positive. Bridgette will get healthy.
— Rita McKinney (@PsychicRita) October 29, 2023
This is terrible. Best wishes for Brigitte and Pete
— Joe from Jersey (@Joe4Jersey) October 29, 2023
A note from one of the all-time greats, Pete Sampras, announcing his wife, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, has been undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer.
Hoping for continued healing for Bridgette and support for their entire family. 🙏 🫶 https://t.co/0t0EhdCSzV— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) October 29, 2023
Sampras is a 14-time grand slam champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of the modern era. He first rose to World No.1 in 1993, and held the top spot for a total of 286 weeks (the third-most all time behind Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer). He achieved an Open Era record of six consecutive year-end No. 1 rankings from 1993 to 1998.
Wilson is a former actress and was crowned Miss Teen USA in 1990. She has appeared on hit TV shows such as 'Saved by the Bell', 'Murder, She Wrote', 'Frasier' and 'CSI: Miami'. She also starred in Hollywood movies 'Billy Madison' and 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'.
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