MONTREAL Gabriela Dabrowski has experienced a transformative change in her approach to tennis following her battle with breast cancer last year. The 33-year-old doubles star from Ottawa shared that her perspective on the sport has shifted significantly since she underwent two surgeries to treat the disease, which was diagnosed in April.
Dabrowski revealed that tennis is no longer the top priority in her life. "If it was taken away from me tomorrow? Yeah, I would be sad. But if I’m healthy, then to me, that’s all that really matters," she stated. This newfound outlook has allowed her to appreciate the sport in a way that surpasses the desire for victory, as she acknowledges, "There are bigger problems in life than winning a tennis match."
After keeping her diagnosis private for months, Dabrowski won a mixed doubles bronze medal for Canada at the Paris Olympics alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime. She later secured the WTA Finals title with her partner, Erin Routliffe. Each match now feels like a bonus, and she expresses that her accomplishments hold a greater significance: "Now I’m doing the best I can because I want to, not because I have to."
As Dabrowski prepares for her home soil competition at the National Bank Open’s women’s doubles tournament in Montreal, she faces unique challenges stemming from both her medical journey and recent injuries. Although she battles side effects from radiation and hormone therapy, she credits her medical team for keeping her in optimal condition. Planning effectively to manage jet lag and physical recovery has been essential, especially as she copes with a rib injury that has sidelined her more than her cancer diagnosis.
Despite these challenges, Dabrowski and Routliffe have showcased resilience, winning the 2023 US Open and reaching the Wimbledon final the previous year. Dabrowski reflected on her recent months: "I’m proud of my last couple of months, considering what I went through." While she is currently playing at about 80% capacity, she remains hopeful, acknowledging that she can still prepare for upcoming matches with her partner, who is match-fit.
Looking ahead, Dabrowski is optimistic about teaming up with Felix Auger-Aliassime again for the mixed doubles event at the US Open in August. However, she is aware of the challenges ahead, as only 16 out of 25 teams will qualify for the tournament. The format of the tournament has sparked discussion, with Dabrowski expressing concerns that it could shift away from including top doubles players, thus potentially impacting the integrity of the event.
Dabrowski’s journey continues to evolve as she balances her recovery with her professional ambitions, illustrating her strength and resilience both on and off the court. As she engages in the National Bank Open and looks forward to the US Open, her story resonates beyond tennis, inspiring many with her perspective on health, priorities, and the true essence of sport.
