A Hidden Challenge

In an extraordinary year that saw Gaby Dabrowski clinch a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the Paris Olympics and proudly become the first Canadian woman to hoist the year-end championship trophy in women's doubles, this Ottawa native was secretly grappling with an even greater challenge: breast cancer.

After months of keeping her diagnosis private, the 32-year-old tennis star bravely took to Instagram to reveal that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2023. Throughout the grueling 2024 tennis season, she underwent surgeries and treatments—all while significantly impacting her performance on the court. Now, she is opening up about her arduous journey, from receiving radiation treatments between tournaments to the unwavering support of her doubles partner, Erin Routliffe.

The Diagnosis

“I kept it quiet for so long because I didn’t have clear answers, and the uncertainty was overwhelming,” Dabrowski shared from Auckland, where she is training with Routliffe before the upcoming 2025 season at the Australian Open. “Now, I’ve reached a point where I hope that my story can help others.”

It all began with a self-exam in spring 2023 when Dabrowski discovered a lump in her left breast, which a doctor initially dismissed. However, as the lump increased in size, she sought further medical evaluation during her annual WTA physical in Miami in March 2024. A mammogram revealed alarming results, leading to a biopsy that confirmed her worst fears—she had cancer.

Navigating Treatment

With the tennis calendar set for a busy clay season in Europe, Dabrowski faced the abrupt interruption of her plans. She underwent surgery on May 2 to remove the tumor, followed by another procedure later that month due to lingering concerns. Thankfully, medical assessments indicated the cancer had not progressed to her lymphatic system, sparing her from chemotherapy.

“It felt surreal receiving the diagnosis; I'm relatively young and healthy. Yet, breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women,” she noted. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate.”

Support and Resilience

While Dabrowski only confided in a close circle of family, friends, coaches, and her partner Routliffe, she managed to maintain her commitment to tennis amid the chaos. Doctors deferred her radiation treatments until August to allow her to participate in both Wimbledon and the Olympics, highlighting the balancing act she had to navigate.

Returning to training wasn't easy; initially, she struggled with basic maneuvers and battled fatigue. However, her resilience shone through when she and Routliffe clinched their first title at a grass court event in Nottingham shortly after her return. “Winning that tournament was incredibly special,” Dabrowski said, expressing gratitude for Routliffe's unwavering support.

Olympic Glory

The duo's subsequent performances at high-profile tournaments—including reaching the finals at Eastbourne and Wimbledon—culminated in her long-cherished dream of participating in the Paris Olympics. Surrounded by the thrill of competition, she found herself questioning her stamina amidst the pressures of surgery recovery.

Together with Félix Auger-Aliassime, she secured a hard-earned bronze medal in mixed doubles, a monumental achievement that they both cherished silently, as Auger-Aliassime remained unaware of her ongoing battle.

Milestones and Recognition

After the Olympics, Dabrowski faced the National Bank Open in Toronto, where she reached the finals, revealing the emotional strain she felt going into her radiation treatment the following week. Completing her treatments at the Mayo Clinic was a milestone, marked by the traditional bell-ringing ceremony to celebrate the end of her radiation journey.

Even at the US Open, few spectators realized that she wore a higher neckline for sun protection, a subtle reminder of her recent surgery. The duo made it to the quarter-finals, demonstrating Dabrowski's incredible fortitude and focus.

Season Finale

Their momentum continued as they reached semi-finals in Osaka and Tokyo, eventually capping the season with a coveted title at the WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pair became the Tour's doubles team of the year, and Dabrowski received Tennis Canada’s female player of the year honor.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Dabrowski anticipates five years of endocrine therapy aimed at preventing the recurrence of her specific type of breast cancer. Inspired by other survivors’ stories during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she decided to share her own experience after developing a passion for raising awareness.

When she finally posted on Instagram, the outpouring of support was overwhelming—more than 9,000 likes and heartfelt messages from fellow tennis players like Coco Gauff and Madison Keys, acknowledging her bravery.

A New Chapter

Her latest six-month mammogram results came back clear, leaving her with newfound appreciation for her tennis career and the love of her friends who stood by her during her ordeal. Reflecting on her journey, Dabrowski highlighted how testing her limits through adversity allowed her to discover deeper resilience within herself.

“I’ve learned that even the scariest battles can be conquered. The strength you hold within is more powerful than you realize,” Dabrowski emphasized. Whatever challenges lie ahead, she stands fiercely ready to face them—both on and off the court.