Pete Sampras reveals wife“ ”Bridgette Wilson-Sampras has ovarian cancer, asks for 'good thoughts and prayers'

Steve Granitz/WireImage Bridgette Wilson-Sampras and Pete Sampras

Pete Sampras has revealed that his wife, actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The retired tennis star, 52, shared the news on social media, through a statement with the Association of Tennis Professionals, explaining that while he is typically a quiet and private person, he wanted to share the news of his wife's developing health condition..

"This past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family," the statement read. "Last December, my wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since then, she has had major surgery, pushed through chemotherapy and continues with targeted maintenance therapy."

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

Noting the difficulty of reaching out for support "when something is simply too hard to talk about," Sampras concluded his statement by requesting support for his family: "I will end this by humbly asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues to thrive on her healing journey."

Wilson-Sampras, 50, is best known for her roles in the Jennifer Lopez-led rom-com, The Wedding Planner, Adam Sandler's Billy Madison, 1995's Mortal Kombat, and the classic horror flick, I Know What You Did Last Summer. Along with a slew of movies throughout the '90s and early '00s, her TV credits include Frasier, Saved by the Bell, and Santa Barbara. She was also crowned Miss Teen USA in 1990.

Columbia Pictures/Getty Jennifer Lopez and Bridgette Wilson Sampras in 'The Wedding Planner'

As for her husband, Sampras is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. At the height of his career, he earned the nickname "Pistol Pete" for his powerful serve. He famously won seven Wimbledon titles, five U.S. Open championships, and two Australian Opens.

The couple — who wed in 2000 after dating for nine months — share two sons, born in 2002 and 2005. Sampras retired prior to the birth of their first child, while Wilson took on less work after becoming a mom. In Pete Sampras: Greatness Revisited, the career biography penned by Steve Flink, Sampras cited their mutual commitment to starting a family as key to their relationship.

"Bridgette always wanted to be a mother," Sampras said of his wife. "That is why I knew she was the one for me. She loved her work and was very good at it and did 30 movies, but ultimately she wanted to be a wife and mom and not be pulled in other directions."

He continued, "She couldn't imagine sitting in a makeup trailer for herself, doing movies, and missing something with the kids. It is rare to find that in this town."

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