Tennis Legend Pete Sampras Opens Up About His Wife Bridgette Wilson-Sampras' Ongoing Battle with Ovarian Cancer
Pete Sampras shares heartbreaking news: Wife Bridgette Wilson-Sampras bravely fights ovarian cancer, undergoing treatment since last year
Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Pete Sampras. Jeff Vespa/WireImage for ThinkFilm
Pete Sampras announced that his wife, actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, has been fighting ovarian cancer for almost a year. The 52-year-old retired tennis legend shared a statement on Sunday, October 29, revealing that the past year has been incredibly tough for his family. He disclosed that Bridgette was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December and has undergone significant surgery, chemotherapy, and ongoing targeted maintenance therapy.
Sampras expressed his difficulty in witnessing his loved one's struggle, but he found solace in witnessing their children's unwavering support. He admired Bridgette's strength and resilience as a mother and wife. Sampras concluded his message by humbly requesting that fans keep his 50-year-old wife in their thoughts, acknowledging the challenges of seeking support during difficult times. He sincerely appealed for positive thoughts and prayers as Bridgette navigates her healing journey.
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The former athlete and Wilson-Sampras tied the knot in 2000. The couple share sons Christian, 20, and Ryan, 18.
Beginning at: "Wilson-Sampras is perhaps best known for her role in 2001’s The Wedding Planner..."
Wilson-Sampras gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Fran, the jilted fiancée to Matthew McConaughey's character, Steve, in the popular film The Wedding Planner (2001). Additionally, she captivated audiences as Elsa Shivers in I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and starred alongside Claire Danes in Shopgirl (2005). Her television credits include appearances on Saved by the Bell and The $treet.
Subsequently, Wilson-Sampras gradually reduced her acting commitments after welcoming motherhood in 2002. Simultaneously, Sampras retired from his professional tennis career in 2002.
"She prioritized her family life after our marriage," Sampras stated in his 2020 book Pete Sampras: Greatness Revisited, referring to his wife. "Bridgette had always aspired to be a mother, which solidified my choice in her. Although she excelled in her career and acted in 30 movies, her ultimate desire was to be a dedicated wife and mother, without being pulled in other directions."
Before the birth of their son Christian, Wilson-Sampras jokingly mentioned that it wouldn't matter whether her husband continued playing tennis, as he would always be responsible for parenting duties. "Whether he's on the road or not, he'll be a bit of Mr. Mom," she humorously stated to Sports Illustrated in 2002. "I advised him to wait and decide after little Pee-Wee arrives. The challenges of waking up in the middle of the night and feeding the baby might make him think, 'I really need to go play tennis.'"
