“Medical Misstep: Tennis Pro Battles Breast Cancer After Initial Diagnosis Dismissed”
Olympic tennis sensation Gabriela Dabrowski waged a war against breast cancer, a battle that began with a startling misdiagnosis. The bronze medalist was initially brushed off by a medical professional who dismissed a lump on her breast as insignificant. However, this ‘insignificant’ lump turned out to be a malignant tumor, placing Dabrowski in a precarious situation.
The Canadian star first discovered the ominous lump during a self-examination in 2023. Despite the initial dismissal by a healthcare provider, Dabrowski’s journey took a darker turn when the lump was later confirmed to be breast cancer.
The tennis pro, who clinched a medal while wrestling with her health, endured psychological torment following the misdiagnosis. “I lived in fear after being told it was nothing,” she confessed on Instagram, “But it wasn’t nothing.”
The World No. 4 double’s player was fortunate to be part of the WTA that, in collaboration with medical technology behemoth Hologic, conducts regular physical check-ups for players. The lump, initially brushed off, was scrutinized further thanks to their advice.
The diagnosis came as a jolt, especially as Dabrowski and her partner, Erin Routliffe, had just concluded a successful run as runners-up at Wimbledon. The cancer began to impede her game, causing difficulties in serving as she struggled to lift her arm high enough.
In an interview with CNN, Dabrowski shared her ordeal, “The news grew grim quickly.” However, she added, “After the initial shock, I received a string of good news about my staging, tumor size, and Oncotype DX score—which determines the need for chemotherapy.”
Showing immense resilience, the 32-year-old tennis star underwent two surgeries, radiation, and endocrine therapy—all while juggling her demanding tennis schedule. She didn’t reveal her diagnosis until after her triumphant bronze win at the Paris Olympics, alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Dabrowski’s ordeal has made her an advocate for early detection. She urged women to get regular check-ups, stressing, “Cancer is terrifying, but early detection can make it manageable. Breast cancer has a 99% survival rate.”
The tennis professional confessed that her illness initially threw her future into uncertainty. Questions about her ability to play again, changes in her schedule, the impact on her rankings and finances clouded her mind. But a month and a half after her diagnosis, the fighter in her began itching for a comeback.
Returning to the sport she loves, Dabrowski’s life perspective has undergone a seismic shift. She stated, “Tennis has been my life, but it doesn’t define me. My performance doesn’t dictate my identity. I take life a little lighter now, and that’s where good results come from. And if they don’t, I’m okay with that.”
