Gabriela Dabrowski, a tennis star, discloses that she played in Wimbledon and Olympics despite having breast cancer.

In April 2024, Canadian tennis star Gabriela Dabrowski disclosed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, sharing the news in a social media post.

Dabrowski, 32, stated that she postponed some of her treatment to participate in Wimbledon and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

In spring 2023, I discovered a lump in my left breast during a self-exam. A doctor later informed me that it was nothing and not to worry, so I didn't. However, in spring 2024, I believed the lump had grown a bit larger.

"During my WTA comprehensive physicals, a WTA doctor informed me that she was uncertain about what it was and advised me to get it scanned. Following the scan, I received a phone call from the radiologist who pointed out a lump that did not resemble a cyst due to its uneven edges and shading. The radiologist emphasized that the lump looked "ugly" and urged me to undergo a biopsy immediately."

"I had a biopsy of my left breast at Advent Health Hospital in Wesley Chapel the next morning. The preliminary results revealed cancer. Hearing these words can turn your life or the life of a loved one upside down."

Dabrowski stated that she is sharing her story now because she was not prepared to face the attention and questions she would have received before.

The star tennis player desired to "solve everything on their own and maintain privacy."

"After undergoing two surgeries at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, recovering, rehabilitating, and tossing the ball for my serve despite my left arm's inability to raise high enough, I experienced a slight delay in further treatment before competing at Wimbledon and the Olympics. Radiation and fatigue also took their toll between Toronto and the US Open. I then started endocrine therapy and ended the season on a high note."

Dabrowski, despite having breast cancer, successfully competed in Wimbledon and the Olympics.

In the Wimbledon finals, Dabrowski and her doubles partner Erin Routliffe lost, but in the Paris Olympics, she won a bronze medal in the mixed doubles competition for Canada.

Dabrowski wrote that his goal in sharing his experience is to highlight the quality of life that can be maintained when cancer is detected early, when you have access to skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals, when you prioritize your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, and when you surround yourself with supportive people.

"Initially, I was terrified that cancer would define me permanently. However, I no longer feel that way. Being a survivor is a blessing."

Dabrowski saw her diagnosis as an opportunity to view challenges with a "gratitude lens."

She concluded her message with the sentiment, 'To cancer, I say f--- you, but also, thank you.'

In 2024, Dabrowski won three doubles titles and has a total of 17 doubles titles in her career.

Dabrowski is a three-time Olympian who competed in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter and follow Planet Chronicle Digital's sports coverage on X.