Gabriela Dabrowski played season after cancer surgery
Canadian Tennis Star Gabriela Dabrowski Opens Up About Battle with Breast Cancer
Canadian tennis sensation Gabriela Dabrowski made a shocking revelation on Tuesday, sharing that she had undergone two surgeries to treat breast cancer after being diagnosed in April.
The three-time Grand Slam doubles champion took to social media to share her journey, disclosing that she had played through her diagnosis during the year she clinched a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
“I know this news may come as a surprise to many, but I want everyone to know that I am doing okay and I will be okay,” Dabrowski wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “Early detection truly saves lives, and I can attest to that.”
Despite her diagnosis in April, Dabrowski chose to keep it private for several months, as she wasn’t prepared to face the questions and attention that would follow.
The 32-year-old tennis star from Ottawa shared that she began to realize the significance of her situation, becoming an advocate for early detection and a healthy lifestyle during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Dabrowski expressed that she now has a better understanding of her treatment, its side effects, and how to manage them.
By sharing her story, Dabrowski hoped to highlight the importance of early detection in maintaining a good quality of life post-cancer diagnosis.
“Initially, I was afraid that cancer would define me forever. But now, I don’t feel that way anymore,” she stated. “It’s a privilege to be able to call myself a survivor.”
The journey began for Dabrowski when she discovered a lump in her left breast during a self-exam in the spring of 2023. Despite reassurances from a doctor months later, she noticed the lump growing in size a year later, leading to a series of medical examinations.
After a radiologist indicated a concerning result, Dabrowski underwent a biopsy, which confirmed her worst fear – cancer.
Despite the challenges, Dabrowski continued to excel on the tennis court, with a brief hiatus after the Miami Open in March before returning to competition at the Nottingham Open in June, where she emerged victorious alongside partner Erin Routliffe.
Battling through physical limitations, Dabrowski also competed at Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics, winning a bronze medal in mixed doubles with Felix Auger-Aliassime and claiming the doubles title at the WTA Finals with Routliffe.
Reflecting on her journey, Dabrowski shared how the experience had transformed her outlook on life and her career.
“When faced with the possibility of losing everything I had worked for, I began to truly appreciate the blessings in my life,” she expressed. “From loving parents and friends to dedicated coaches and a supportive team, I now see my career in a different light.”
Dabrowski’s story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and the power of positivity in the face of adversity.
This article, based on a report by The Canadian Press, was originally published on December 31, 2024.
