Canadian tennis star Gabriella Dabrowski, 32, has disclosed that she underwent surgery for breast cancer earlier this year. A three-time Grand Slam champion—one women’s doubles title and two mixed doubles titles—Dabrowski kept her diagnosis and early treatment private until now.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on December 31, Dabrowski wrote, “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in mid-April. I know this will come as a shock to a lot of people, but I’m OK and I’m going to be OK. Early detection saves lives.”
Competing Amid Treatment
Despite her diagnosis, Dabrowski returned to the WTA Tour with remarkable success. She underwent two surgeries before briefly stepping away from competition. After her recovery, she reached the women’s doubles final at Wimbledon alongside Erin Routliffe and helped Canada win mixed doubles bronze at the Paris Olympics with Félix Auger-Aliassime.
In November, she capped off her season by winning the WTA Finals in doubles with Routliffe. Reflecting on her achievements, Dabrowski said, “To end the season on top … it all seems so surreal.”
Why She’s Sharing Her Story
Dabrowski explained that she waited to go public until she understood her treatment and side effects. She hoped to process everything privately with her closest friends and family first.
Her goal in sharing now is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, quality medical care, and holistic support. “My cancer diagnosis was the catalyst for more lasting change,” she wrote. “When the threat of losing everything I had worked for my entire life became a reality, I began to truly appreciate everything I had.”
Dabrowski also emphasized mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. She urged fans to seek regular checkups and to build a strong support network. “If you’ve seen me smile more on the court in the last six months, it’s from the heart,” she added.
Her candid message serves as a powerful reminder that early detection and comprehensive care can help people maintain a high quality of life—even in the face of a serious illness.
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