Who is Pete Sampras' wife Bridgette Wilson? Everything you need to know after shock news of her year-long ovarian cancer battle
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Leocciano Callao www.dailymail.co.uk
Retired tennis star Pete Sampras publicized an important piece of his private life on Sunday, sharing the news of his wife Bridgette Wilson's ovarian cancer diagnosis.
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Mail Online
Retired tennis star Pete Sampras publicized an important piece of his private life on Sunday, sharing the news of his wife Bridgette Wilson's ovarian cancer diagnosis.

'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,' Sampras, 52, said on a statement via ATP tour on X (formerly Twitter).'

'My wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer,' Sampras continued.

Sampras commended Bridgette, 50, for her resilience during a difficult period as she continues to undergo treatment. Sampras also stated how the challenging times have strengthened their family's bond.

'It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this,' Sampras said. 'However, seeing our boys step up and be such strong supporter 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.'

Here, DailyMail.com answers all the big questions about Wilson and her diagnosis...

Who is Bridgette Wilson?

Born and raised in Gold Beach, Oregon, Wilson was crowned Miss Teen USA as a 17-year-old in 1990. Wilson graduated from Gold Beach High School in 1991 and quickly transitioned from pageantry to acting.

Wilson began taking roles both in film and television, first appearing on Santa Barbara for 20 episodes from 1992-1993. Wilson's acting portfolio includes notable appearances on Saved by the Bell and CSI: Miami as well as roles in Mortal Kombat (1995), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), House on Haunted Hill (1999) and The Wedding Planner (2001).

Aside from acting, Wilson also had a career in music. As a singer, Wilson released two studio albums under King Records; 'I Only Wanna Be With You' in 1994 and 'Gimme a Kiss' in 1996.

Wilson starred in an off-Broadway production of 'The Rocky Horror Show' and served as a judge at the Miss Universe pageant in 2006.

How did she meet Pete Sampras?

In September 1999, Sampras first saw Wilson at a cinema in Los Angeles. With help from a friend and encouragement from Wilson's sister, the pair embarked on their first date.

'I had never watched tennis, so I wasn't familiar with him,' Wilson told In-Style Magazine in 2000. 'But when I saw his picture, I was like, "Oh yeah, he's a cutie."'

After nine months of dating and a 16-week engagement, Wilson and Sampras tied the knot on September 30, 2000, at an 80-guest ceremony in the backyard of Sampras' California residence.

Sampras, winner of 13 Grand Slam titles, then said his marriage with Wilson is far superior than all of his sporting accolades.

'When you win matches, it's a short-lived high,' said Sampras. 'This was something I was committing to for life. Tennis will one day stop, but I'll always have Bridgette. That's the biggest reward of all.'

The couple's first son Christian was born on September 2002, followed by Ryan on July 2005.

How long has she had ovarian cancer?

Wilson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2022.

According to Sampras' statement, Wilson has had a major surgery, gone through chemotherapy and is doing continuous targeted therapy.

'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,' Sampras ended his statement.