Tennis legend Pete Sampras has spoken publicly for the first time about his wife Bridgette Wilson Sampras’ cancer.
“As most people know, I’m a pretty quiet and reserved person,” reads the beginning of a statement from former U.S. tennis pro Pete Sampras. “However, the past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family and I have decided to share what has happened,” the 52-year-old said.
Writing these words may not have been easy for the 14-time Grand Slam champion. Because his wife Bridgette Wilson Sampras was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last December. Since then, the family has been fighting her illness with all their might.
Sampras: “I ask for thoughts and prayers for our family “
Since the diagnosis, the 50-year-old has undergone serious surgery as well as chemotherapy, Sampras’ statement said. She is currently continuing to undergo targeted therapy for cancer, it added.
“I would like to ask for thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette’s healing process continues,” Sampras said. He said it was “hard to watch” his wife go through “such a challenge.” He praised his two sons for how they have stepped up for the family and his wife.
Numerous fans and tennis great Andy Murray, among others, wrote their get-well wishes to Sampras on social media.
The former world-class tennis player and the actress, a one-time Miss Teen USA, had married in California in 2000. Three years later, Sampras retired from professional tennis. The couple’s two sons are 18 and 20 years old.
Bridgette Wilson-Sampras made films such as “Last Action Hero” (1993) alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Wedding Planner” (2001) with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Lopez, and “Shopgirl” (2005) with Steve Martin.
