In an emotional revelation that shocked her fans, Wimbledon finalist Gabriela Dabrowski shared her courageous journey in battling breast cancer throughout the 2024 season. The 32-year-old Canadian Tennis player opened up about heart about her diagnosis and treatment in an emotional Instagram post, marking a pivotal moment in her remarkable year.
Dabrowski revealed she received the life-changing diagnosis in April but chose to keep it private for a while. “I know this will come as a shock to many, but I am fine and I will be fine. Early detection saves lives,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of awareness.
Her ordeal began in the spring of 2023 when she first discovered a lump, initially certain it was nothing serious. However, a follow-up exam a year later confirmed her worst fears: she had cancer. Despite this, Dabrowski demonstrated incredible resilience, stepping away from matches in April and May before making a triumphant return to the court in June. Partnering with Erin Routliffe, she won her first tournament back in Nottingham.
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Tennis icon Gabriela Dabrowski opens up about her battle with cancer following her Wimbledon journey
Determined to compete at Wimbledon, the doubles duo overcame their challenges, ultimately finishing as finalists. The couple continued their success at the Olympic Games, where they played valiantly to win a bronze medal in mixed doubles, beating their Dutch rivals in straight sets. Dabrowski described the Olympic experience as “the experience of a lifetime,” saying, “Everything feels surreal.”
Now, with new clarity after dealing with her health, Dabrowski expressed her reasons for sharing her story: “For a long time, I wasn’t ready to come out to the attention and questions I might have received before. I wanted to figure it all out and handle things privately with only those closest to me in the loop.”
Reflecting on her journey, she noted: “There were so many unknowns and so much learning and research to do. Currently, I am in a place where I have a better understanding of my treatment, the side effects and how to manage them.
Dabrowski aims to inspire others to seek early detection and prioritize their well-being, saying a strong support system is essential: “My intentions in sharing some of my experience are to highlight the quality of life that “can be maintained when cancer is detected early, when you have access to doctors and other healthcare professionals who are highly trained and dedicated to their profession.”
With eyes on the future, Dabrowski and Routliffe are expected to compete at the upcoming Australian Open in January, where they are expected to be seeded No. 3.
