Pete with his wife Bridgette
Former US tennis star Pete Sampras has always been an extremely private person. His public appearances are very rare, even fewer interviews or messages from him on social media. However, on October 29, the 14-time Slam champion, record holder for major successes before the advent of Roger Federer, published a touching message about his family to the ATP. His wife, Bridgette, has been battling ovarian cancer for almost a year. She underwent “major” surgery and is continuing her treatment. We report the news from the Californian via ATP.
A message from Pete 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZReXGOCUQs
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 29, 2023
“As many people now know, I am a rather quiet and reserved person. However, the past year has been an exceptionally busy time for my family and I decided to share what happened. Last December my wife Bridgette was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since then, she has had major surgery, undergone chemotherapy and continues targeted maintenance therapy. It’s hard to imagine someone you love taking on such a challenge. However, it was great to see our children supporting Bridgette, me and all of us so strongly. It’s inspiring to see Bridgette continue to be an incredible mother and wife. I also learned that it’s very difficult to get support when something is just too difficult to talk about. With that said, I would like to conclude by asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues her healing journey. Thank you very much.”
Thousands of replies from former colleagues and enthusiasts supporting him, including Brad Gilbert, Andy Murray (the first to respond) and Alex Corretja. Bridgette, a former American actress and model, now 50, met Pete in the mid-90s and they married in 2000. The couple have two sons, Christian and Ryan.
Good luck to Bridgette and the entire Sampras family.
