Fans have been captivated by the renowned tennis player Pete Sampras not only because of his amazing career but also because of his personal life. Many have tried to learn more about his first wife’s life story.
Pete Sampras’s first wife is examined in the material that follows in order to throw light on their relationship and provide readers with an understanding of the woman who supported him throughout the formative years of his incredible tennis career.
Pete Sampras First Wife
Pete Sampras disclosed that Bridgette Wilson, his spouse, has received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Sampras and Wilson have been together since their September 2000 wedding. Ryan Nikolaos and Christian Charles, the couple’s two sons, have grown up largely hidden from the public eye.
Sampras, who has remained mostly out of the public eye, revealed on Sunday that his wife’s battle with illness has made the past year incredibly difficult for him and his family.
The former actress and model Wilson has endured extensive surgery and chemotherapy, and is currently receiving targeted maintenance therapy after receiving her diagnosis in December.
“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 said.
“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,” he added.
A message from Pete 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZReXGOCUQs
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 29, 2023
The 14-time Grand Slam winner expressed his usual sadness, saying it has been difficult to watch his wife go through such a difficult time. He was astounded to see his boys stand up for the family during the argument, though.
“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,” Pete Sampras said.
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Pete Sampras Biography
Petros Sampras, the third child of Soterios and Georgia Sampras, was born in Washington, D.C. on August 12, 1971. Georgia immigrated to the USA at the age of 25, while Soterios, also known as Sammy, was born in the USA as the son of a Greek father and a Polish Jewish mother.
While his mother worked as a beautician in a nearby salon, his father was employed by the Ministry of Defence as an aeronautical engineer and as a co-owner of a delicatessen.
The Sampras family made sure their kids received an education and training in line with Greek culture. They typically ate Greek food and routinely attended Sunday services at the Greek Orthodox Church.
Sampras was not encouraged to do sports as he was growing up. He developed a passion for tennis after finding a racquet in their home’s basement and using it to smash balls against walls for hours on end.
When he was seven years old, his family relocated to California in 1978. The mother was accustomed to the warmer climate there, and the kid was able to continue his professional tennis career year-round.
Pete Sampras Professional Career
Everyone saw Sampras’ brilliance in 1987. He made the US Junior Davis Cup team. After defeating top-seeded Michael Chang in the U.S. Open Junior Championships, he turned pro and joined the ATP Tour in 1988. He finished in the top 100 in his first year on tour.
His first win was the 1990 U.S. Open. Before reaching the final, the 19-year-old defeated Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe to become the tournament’s youngest champion. He lost to his junior rival Andre Agassi in straight sets in the tournament final.
Pete Sampras struggled to meet expectations after his early success. As a target on his back, every player was watching him. He won again in 1993 at Wimbledon, defeating his friend Jim Courier, after three years. He won the U.S. Open again and the Australian Open that year.
Pete Sampras ruled tennis in the 1990s. Though unpopular, he was ATP Player of the Year from 1993 to 1998. With his 13th major title in 2000, he surpassed Roy Emerson as the sport’s greatest winner.
A thrilling U.S. Open final versus longtime rival Agassi gave him his 14th title in 2002. He became the oldest Open Championship winner at 31 in this final, his last tennis match.
