Pete Sampras's wife battling ovarian cancer; tennis legend shares family's challenge

Pete Sampras, one of tennis's all-time greats, has revealed a deeply personal struggle: his wife, Bridgette Wilson, has been fighting ovarian cancer. The former world No. 1, known for his quiet demeanor, shared that the past year has been exceptionally challenging for his family.

Wilson was diagnosed in December 2024 and has since undergone significant treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy. Sampras described the difficulty of watching a loved one endure such a battle, but also expressed inspiration from his wife's strength as a mother and wife, and the support from their children.

“

As most of you know, I am a pretty quiet and introverted person. However, this past year has been an extremely challenging period for my family and I decided to share what's really going on.

"It's hard to watch someone you love go through something like this," Sampras stated. "However, it's been incredible to see how our boys have stepped up and supported Bridgette so strongly and supported each other."

“

It's hard to watch someone you love go through something like this. However, it's been incredible to see how our boys have stepped up and supported Bridgette so strongly and supported each other. It's been inspiring to watch Bridgette continue to be an amazing mom and wife through all of this.

Sampras, who won 14 Grand Slam titles, predominantly on grass, with seven Wimbledon championships and five US Open titles, famously defeated Goran Ivanišević in two Wimbledon finals. Ivanišević once lamented Sampras's dominance, saying the American "destroyed my life" and "destroyed my dreams."

The article also briefly mentions Sampras's past, including the temporary theft of his trophies, which were later returned under an agreement where he did not pursue legal action against the thief.

“

What about my career, I would have played differently against that unfortunate Sampras. He destroyed my life. He destroyed my dreams. Because of him I couldn't sleep. Some finals I would have played differently against him.