In April 2024, Canadian tennis star Gabriela Dabrowski received a life-altering diagnosis: breast cancer. The 32-year-old athlete, known for her doubles prowess, discovered a lump in her left breast during a self-exam in the spring of 2023. Initially reassured by a doctor that it was nothing to worry about, Dabrowski continued her rigorous training and competition schedule. However, almost a year later, during the WTA’s comprehensive physicals, a doctor advised her to get the lump scanned due to its concerning appearance. The subsequent radiology report revealed the devastating news: the lump exhibited characteristics of cancer, necessitating an immediate biopsy. The following day, the biopsy at Advent Health Hospital in Wesley Chapel confirmed the diagnosis, abruptly turning Dabrowski’s world upside down.
Dabrowski chose to keep her diagnosis private for several months, wanting to process the news and navigate the initial stages of treatment without external pressures. She underwent two surgeries at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, followed by a demanding period of recovery and rehabilitation. Remarkably, just two weeks before the Nottingham Open, Dabrowski was back on the court, practicing her serve with the assistance of her coach, Patrick Daciek, due to limited mobility in her left arm. With unwavering determination, she slightly delayed further treatment to compete at Wimbledon and the 2024 Paris Olympics, two pinnacle events in the tennis calendar. Even amidst the grueling demands of professional tennis and cancer treatment, which included radiation therapy between the Toronto and US Open tournaments, Dabrowski maintained an unwavering focus on her career and ultimately finished the season on a high note, commencing endocrine therapy.
Despite the physical and emotional challenges posed by her cancer battle, Dabrowski achieved remarkable success on the court in 2024. She reached the Wimbledon finals in doubles with partner Erin Routliffe and, most notably, secured a bronze medal for Canada in mixed doubles at the Paris Olympics. These accomplishments serve as a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
Dabrowski’s decision to publicly share her story stems from a desire to highlight the importance of early detection and the positive impact of a strong support system. She emphasizes the quality of life that can be maintained with early diagnosis, access to skilled healthcare professionals, and a focus on holistic well-being – encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual health. The unwavering support from her team, friends, and family proved invaluable during her challenging journey. Initially fearing that cancer would become a defining part of her identity, Dabrowski now embraces the term “survivor” with pride and gratitude.
Dabrowski’s experience has instilled in her a renewed perspective, allowing her to view challenges through a lens of gratitude. Her cancer journey, while undeniably difficult, has also provided an opportunity for personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life. She acknowledges the paradoxical nature of her relationship with cancer, expressing both defiance and gratitude in her poignant statement: “To cancer I say f— you, but also, thank you.”
Gabriela Dabrowski’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Her achievements on the tennis court, while battling cancer, are a testament to her unwavering dedication and the unwavering support of her team. By sharing her story, Dabrowski aims to inspire others facing similar challenges and to emphasize the importance of early detection, comprehensive care, and a positive mindset in the fight against cancer. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, hope, strength, and resilience can prevail. Dabrowski’s three doubles titles in 2024, adding to her career total of 17, and her bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, her third Olympic Games appearance, stand as symbols of her indomitable spirit and her unwavering commitment to the sport she loves.
