Canadian tennis star Gabriela Dabrowski is an inspiration, a fierce competitor and a true champion for pushing through terrifying health issues. In April 2023, she was diagnosed with stage three inflammatory breast cancer. Since then, she has had two surgeries and is currently coping with radiation, surgery and long-term hormone therapy damage. Obstacles don’t deter her, and she remains a fierce competitor. Most recently, she captured a mixed doubles bronze medal at the Paris Olympics alongside her compatriot, Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Meanwhile, Dabrowski has stayed focused and continued to make big improvements on the court. She clinched the WTA Finals doubles title with her regular partner, Erin Routliffe, and captured the 2023 US Open doubles crown. The duo made the Wimbledon final this year and collected a title at the Stuttgart Open in April. Dabrowski is only playing about 80 percent right now due to long-haul complications. She has immense appreciation for how her medical team focused on keeping her in peak physical condition through her recovery.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Her experience going through her cancer treatment has changed Dabrowski’s outlook on tennis and on life itself. She openly acknowledges the physical toll of her condition, stating, “Even though I’m probably not at my most prepared going into [the] National Bank Open, I still have a week to get more training in the tank.” Her loyalty to her own training mirrors her wish to keep competing, but understanding where she stands today.
Dabrowski has faced additional obstacles on her path. An ongoing rib injury, impacting her since February, led her to withdraw from several tournaments, including the French Open in May. Regardless, she’s shown tremendous fortitude by rushing back to the court in time for Wimbledon. Her competence in managing competitive urges alongside health factors marks a greater change in her approach to athletics.
“Tennis really feels like it’s not the No. 1 thing in life anymore,” – Gabriela Dabrowski
Through this lens, she’s been able to process victories with much more gratitude. “Even though losses hurt, they definitely don’t hurt as much as before,” Dabrowski shared. She really values the experience of sharing her accomplishments with her family and friends. More than anything, she appreciates the public journey they have all taken together during her fight with cancer.
A Record-Breaking Season
Despite her health challenges, Dabrowski has had a breakout year. In addition to her Olympic bronze medal and US Open title, she and Routliffe’s triumph at the WTA Finals solidifies their status as a formidable partnership in women’s doubles. Dabrowski’s accomplishment is all the more remarkable given her recent triumph at the Stuttgart Open.
As she prepares for upcoming tournaments, including a hopeful return to mixed doubles with Auger-Aliassime at the US Open in August, Dabrowski reflects on her growth as an athlete. “Now I’m doing the best I can because I want to, not because I have to,” she stated. This change in motivation represents a deeper realization of what’s important to her and what she wants to achieve.
Dabrowski’s achievements are astonishing, especially considering the context of her ill health. She attributes the support of her medical team and her family as key to her success. “I’m proud of my last couple of months, considering what I went through,” Dabrowski remarked, highlighting her determination to overcome adversity.
Community Recognition and Future Aspirations
Ottawa presented Gabriela Dabrowski with the key to the city. This award honors both her incredible athletic success and her remarkable resilience in overcoming personal challenges. This acknowledgment is in recognition of her important impact far beyond the tennis court. It shows the pride her community feels in her remarkable achievements.
As she looks into the future, Dabrowski continues to balance her competitive life with the nuanced realities of recovery. While she’s still fighting those same battles with health, she looks forward to every opportunity to step back on the court. If you threw me in jail or took it away from me tomorrow? Sure, I would be sad. But if I’m healthy, then in my world—that’s all that really matters.
Whatever happens as she gets ready for upcoming tournaments, Dabrowski’s brave actions can serve as an inspiration to the athletes who wrestle with similar challenges. Her dedication to herself and her work illustrates how we can all bounce back, even after the worst of times.
