Pete Sampras, the tennis legend with 14 major titles, has recently emerged and is still delighting fans a decade after his retirement. Considered one of the sport’s greatest players, Sampras retreated from the public eye, but recent events, including the revelation of his wife Bridgette’s battle with ovarian cancer three months ago, briefly brought him back into the spotlight.
In a rare public statement ahead of the ATP Tour, the usually reserved Sampras said: “The past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family and I have decided to share what happened.” Sampras, who maintains his privacy, recently surprised many with an appearance at a Starbucks in Beverly Hills.
He was dressed casually, carrying iced coffee in his hand and briefly thanked the audience.Pete and Bridgette Sampras, married for 23 years and father of two children, continue their life away from tennis control in California. Sampras, who dominated men’s tennis with 64 career singles titles, officially retired in 2003.
Despite occasional friendly games, family life was his priority.
