In a heartfelt statement shared by the ATP Tour on social media, legendary American tennis pro Pete Sampras disclosed that his wife, Bridgette Wilson Sampras, has been bravely battling ovarian cancer for the past year. The couple, who tied the knot in 2000 and have two children together, has chosen to open up about their difficult journey in the hopes of raising awareness and garnering support.
Sampras, a 14-time Grand Slam champion before retiring in 2003, admitted that he is usually a private person but felt compelled to share their family's news due to the immense challenges they have faced. He revealed that Bridgette was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2022 and has since undergone major surgery, chemotherapy, and target maintenance therapy. Despite the hardships, Sampras expressed his admiration for his wife's strength and resilience as she continues to be an "incredible mom and wife."
The tennis icon acknowledged the difficulties of watching a loved one endure such a grueling battle but found solace in witnessing their sons stepping up and offering unwavering support to both Bridgette and himself. Inspired by his family's strength, Sampras hopes that by sharing their story, he can overcome his own struggles with asking for help and encourage others to stand together in solidarity. He humbly requested good thoughts and prayers for their family as Bridgette continues her healing journey.
Ovarian cancer, often considered a silent killer, is a highly lethal disease that affects a woman's reproductive system. Former tennis champion Chris Evert, who bravely shared her own ovarian cancer diagnosis last year, emphasized the importance of having conversations about the disease and the power of information in ESPN. Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, following uterine cancer, and causes more deaths than other gynecologic cancers. It typically originates in the ovaries but can also start in the fallopian tubes or peritoneum.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several risk factors for ovarian cancer include age (45 and older), Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background, family history of ovarian cancer, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), and having other types of cancer. The CDC highlights various symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer, including vaginal bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty eating, changes in bathroom habits, and feeling full too quickly. Unfortunately, there is currently no reliable screening method for ovarian cancer in women.
Treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves a multifaceted approach, as experienced by Bridgette, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Sampras expressed his appreciation for the immense efforts of healthcare professionals and the strength exhibited by his wife throughout her treatment.
Pete Sampras concluded his emotional statement by acknowledging the difficulty of reaching out for support during challenging times. He expressed gratitude to his fans and asked for their continued support and understanding. The tennis community and beyond rallied behind Sampras and his family, offering their thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support in this difficult time.
