Pete Sampras announces that his wife, actress Bridgette Wilson, is suffering from a serious illness

Pete Sampras has shared that his wife, actress, singer and model Bridgette Wilson, is battling ovarian cancer.

The American tennis legend, who won 14 Grand Slams during his career and spent 286 weeks as world number one, said in a statement on the ATP Tour that Wilson is receiving treatment after being diagnosed with the disease in December 2022.

Sampras acknowledged that it was "difficult to watch" his wife go through "a challenge like this", and "humbly asked for good wishes and prayers" for "our family as Bridgette continues to thrive in her healing process".

"As most of you know, I am a pretty quiet and reserved person. However, the past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family and I have decided to share what has been happening. Last December, my wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since then, she has undergone surgery, received chemotherapy and continues to undergo targeted maintenance therapy," Sampras said.

Sampras admits it is hard to seek support

The former tennis player noted that "watching Bridgette continue to be an amazing mother and wife through it all has been inspiring. I've also learned that it's very difficult to seek support when it's just too hard to talk about."

Bridgette Wilson (50) and Pete Sampras (52) married on September 30 2000 and have two sons, Christian, 20, and Ryan, 18.