Inside Pete Sampras' life with wife's heartbreaking diagnosis and staggering net worth

Pete Sampras, the tennis legend often hailed as one of the greatest players of all time, dominated the sport in the 1990s and early 2000s with his powerful serve-and-volley game. Nicknamed 'Pistol Pete,' he clinched 14 Grand Slam titles, including seven Wimbledon crowns, five US Opens and two Australian Opens.

Before the 'Big 3' era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic began in 2003, Sampras was the biggest name in tennis and held the record for the highest number of majors won on the men's circuit. His rivalry with fellow American Andre Agassi captivated fans and he held the world No. 1 ranking for a staggering 286 weeks. Retiring in 2002 after his final US Open win, Sampras left an indelible legacy, inspiring generations with his quiet intensity and unmatched grass-court prowess. But beyond the courts, his life has been a mix of quiet family bliss, financial success and profound personal trials. Here, Express Sport takes a look at the man behind the cameras.

Net worth

Sampras' illustrious career translated into immense wealth, with his net worth estimated at around £120million ($150m). During his playing days, he amassed over £34m ($43m) in prize money alone, making him one of the highest-earning athletes of his era.

Endorsements from brands like Nike, Wilson and Pizza Hut added millions more, capitalising on his clean-cut image and global appeal. Even after hanging up his racket, Sampras has maintained his fortune through savvy investments, including real estate ventures in California.

Shortly after retiring, he became an investor, partner and consultant for Tennis Magazine, contributing to its content and strategy while earning from the partnership. He has also participated in exhibition matches and senior tours, such as a 12-city tour in 2011, which provided additional revenue without the grind of full-time competition.

His real estate investments have been particularly lucrative, focusing on high-value properties in California that have appreciated over time. Occasionally, he has appeared in Nike adverts and explored interests in the stock market, ensuring steady growth in his wealth. He has also dabbled in business, including a stake in a sports management firm.

Wife's diagnosis

In a heartbreaking turn, Sampras' wife, actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2022. The couple, married since 2000, shared the news publicly in October 2023 through a statement from Pete, who described the ordeal as "an exceptionally challenging time" for their family.

Bridgette, known for roles in films like Billy Madison and I Know What You Did Last Summer, underwent major surgery and has been receiving treatment, with her husband praising her resilience.

In his emotional announcement, he revealed how Bridgette's condition prompted him to step back from public life to focus on her care and their two sons. Updates have been sparse, respecting their privacy, but Sampras noted in 2023 that she was "doing well" amid ongoing chemotherapy.

The tennis star previously admitted how hard it was to "watch someone you love go through a challenge like this," and praised the couple's sons, Christian and Ryan, for "stepping up" and being "such strong supporters" for their parents. Sampras also shared praise for Wilson-Sampras in his statement, calling her an "incredible mom and wife through it all."

Family life

Away from the spotlight, Sampras cherishes a low-key family life with Bridgette and their sons, Christian (born 2002) and Ryan (born 2005). They enjoy a serene existence in their gated California community, where Sampras coaches his boys in tennis - though he insists there's no pressure to follow in his footsteps.

He and his family live in a luxurious £20m ($25m) mansion in Lake Sherwood, California, complete with a private tennis court, pool and stunning views of their southern Californian surroundings.

Sampras, who retired at 31 to prioritise fatherhood, has spoken about the joy of watching his sons grow up, contrasting his own intense childhood training. The couple's 25-year marriage is built on mutual support, with Bridgette stepping away from Hollywood to raise their children.

Despite challenges, including Bridgette's illness, the Sampras family remains tight-knit. Pete's involvement in charity work, like autism awareness events, reflects his commitment to giving back, inspired by his own life's blessings and trials.