Tennis icon Pete Sampras has announced his wife Bridgette has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Bridgette, a former actress, singer and model, has been married to Sampras since 2000 and the pair have two children together.
In statement shared by the ATP Tour, the 14-time Grand Slam champion said: “As most have come to know, I am a pretty quiet and private person. 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.
“It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this. 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.”
Hailing from Gold Beach, Oregon, Bridgette was crowned Miss Teen USA in 1990 at the age of just 17. The 50-year-old went on to appear in various films and television shows, including CSI: Miami and Frasier.
Her breakthrough came in the early 1990s, when she played Lisa Fenimore Castillo in soap opera Santa Barbara. Her film debut came when she was cast as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daughter in Last Action Hero, while her first lead role was in Billy Madison (1995).
She also released music and was a fervent supporter of various charities, including MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and several AIDS organizations. Many took to social media to express support for Sampras and Bridgette, with former World No. 1 Andy Murray writing: “All the best to your wife and your family Pete.”
Sampras is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He ended the year as world No. 1 every year between 1993 and 1998 while his 14 Grand Slams stood as the most major titles in men’s singles history until Roger Federer surpassed the figure.
Sampras won seven Wimbledon titles, five US Opens and two Australian Opens. His run began and ended at the US Open, winning the tournament as the youngest ever champion in 1990 at 19 years and 28 days before retiring as the 2002 winner of the event.
