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Pete Sampras, the iconic tennis champion long regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, ruled the courts throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his trademark power and precision in the serve-and-volley style, 'Pistol Pete' captured 14 Grand Slam championships, including seven Wimbledon titles, five US Opens and two Australian Opens. Before the rise of the 'Big 3' era featuring Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Sampras stood as the dominant figure in men's tennis, holding the record for the most major titles in history at the time. His fierce on-court battles with fellow American Andre Agassi enthralled crowds, and he held the world No. 1 position for an astonishing 286 weeks. When he retired in 2002 after claiming his final US Open victory, Sampras cemented a legacy defined by quiet determination and remarkable skill on grass. Away from tennis, his life has been quiet , balancing family happiness, financial achievement and moments of deep personal hardship. Here, we're taking a closer look at the man beyond the spotlight. Sampras' distinguished playing career brought him tremendous financial success, with an estimated fortune of around £120million ($150m). Over his years on tour, he earned more than £34m ($43m) in prize money alone, ranking among the wealthiest athletes of his generation. Endorsement deals with Nike, Wilson and Pizza Hut added significantly to his income, leveraging his wholesome public image and international popularity. Even after retirement, Sampras has preserved and expanded his wealth through intelligent investments, notably in California real estate. Soon after stepping away from competition, he took on roles as an investor, partner and advisor for Tennis Magazine , contributing to editorial planning while generating additional income. He has also appeared in senior tennis exhibitions and legends tours, including a 12-city circuit in 2011, which allowed him to stay active without the demands of full-time play. His property portfolio has grown steadily, centered on premium California homes that have increased in value over the years. Sampras has occasionally featured in Nike campaigns and pursued interests in stocks and business, including a partial ownership in a sports management company, all of which have helped sustain his impressive wealth. In a devastating development, Sampras' wife, actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2022. The couple, who have been married since 2000, revealed the news in October 2023 through a statement from Pete, calling it "an exceptionally challenging time" for their family. Bridgette, best known for appearances in Billy Madison and I Know What You Did Last Summer, underwent significant surgery and ongoing treatment, with her husband publicly praising her courage and determination. He shared a heartfelt message via the ATP Tour, having not posted on social media himself since 2015 prior to that. Sampras explained that Bridgette's illness led him to withdraw from the public eye to focus on caring for her and their two sons. Though the family has shared few updates, he mentioned in 2023 that she was "doing well" while continuing chemotherapy. The tennis legend previously opened up about how difficult it was to "watch someone you love go through a challenge like this," expressing admiration for their sons, Christian and Ryan, who have "stepped up" and been "such strong supporters" throughout the ordeal. He also commended his wife as an "incredible mom and wife through it all." Outside fame, Sampras enjoys a private and peaceful lifestyle with Bridgette and their sons, Christian (born 2002) and Ryan (born 2005). They reside in an exclusive California neighborhood, where he occasionally trains his boys in tennis - though he emphasises there's no expectation for them to follow his path. Their home, a lavish £20m ($25m) estate in Lake Sherwood, California, features a private court, pool and panoramic views of the area. Sampras, who ended his career at just 31 to devote more time to fatherhood, often speaks about the joy of raising his children and watching them grow, noting how different their upbringing is from his own demanding youth in tennis. His 25-year marriage to Bridgette has thrived on mutual respect and shared priorities, with her stepping away from acting to focus on their family. Despite personal hardships, including Bridgette's illness, the Sampras family remains united and resilient. Pete continues to participate in charity efforts, such as autism awareness initiatives, showing his commitment to giving back and reflecting the gratitude he feels for both his achievements and his struggles.
