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'WASN'T SURE WHAT TO EXPECT': CANCER SURVIVOR INSPIRES IN AO RETURN



No matter how far you dig — chances are — you won’t find a better feel-good story than Gabriela Dabrowski.


The Canadian appeared in her first Australian Open campaign since undergoing surgery for breast cancer in April, partnering Erin Routliffe to win their first-round doubles match.


Clawing back from a one set deficit, it’s just another example of her tenacious fighting spirit.


But if you’re aware of her battle off court, then you shouldn’t really be left surprised.


Dabrowski, 32, underwent two surgeries which followed a three-month break and postponed further treatment to compete at Wimbledon and the Olympics, winning bronze alongside Félix Auger-Aliassime in the mixed doubles.


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After taking a while to come to terms with the tragic news that changed her life, Dabrowski openly shared a message on her Instagram story to her followers.


"I know this will come as a shock to many, but I am OK and I will be okay. Early detection saves lives. I can wholeheartedly agree with this," she wrote.


"In the spring of 2023 I felt a lump in my left breast during a self-exam. A few months later, a doctor told me it was nothing and not to worry. So I didn’t. Time went on, and in spring 2024, I thought the lump was a little bigger. During our WTA comprehensive physicals, a WTA doctor told me she wasn’t sure what it was, and to go and get it scanned.


"First, a mammogram, second, an ultrasound, to confirm what the mammogram saw. Third… a phone call from the radiologist reading the images, alerting me to a lump that did not look like a cyst due to its uneven edging and shading. 'It looks ugly and I want you to get a biopsy immediately'.


"Early on in my diagnosis I was afraid of cancer becoming a part of my identity forever. I don't feel that way anymore. It is a privilege to be able to call myself a survivor," she wrote.


"Fast forward through two surgeries at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, recovery, rehab, (coach) Patrick Daciek tossing the ball for me on my serve because my left arm could not raise high enough (two weeks before Nottingham).


"A slight delay in further treatment to be able to compete at Wimbledon and the Olympics, radiation + fatigue (between Toronto and US Open), starting endocrine therapy, ending the season on the highest note possible ... it all seems surreal."


Now entering Melbourne Park as the doubles No.2 seed and off the back of WTA Finals silverware in November, Dabrowski's story is nothing short of inspiring to those who feel their world has crumbled.


"If you saw me smiling more on court in the past six months, it was genuine ... My cancer diagnosis was the catalyst for more sustained change," she added.


"When the threat of losing everything I'd worked for my entire life became a real possibility, only then did I begin to authentically appreciate what I had.


"Through this lens I find it so much easier to find joy in areas of my life I previously viewed as a heavy weight."


The two-time Olympian already has an abundance of experience under her belt, securing the US Open doubles title in 2023 and two mixed doubles titles at Grand Slam level.


Now, despite her recent challenges, Dabrowski is currently world No.3 in the WTA doubles rankings —  a personal best —  with a deep run at Melbourne Park the next goal.


When asked about her bravery in opening up about her cancer journey, Dabrowski confessed she had no idea how people would react.


"I honestly wasn't sure what to expect," she admitted. "I think the reaction has been really positive so far. My intention is to just get the message out there that early detection is super important and to not hesitate if you're not sure what something is. Definitely push for a follow-up because it's better to get something taken care of sooner rather than later, especially when it comes to something like cancer.


"Different people have different journeys with illness. By no means am I saying that the way that I did something is the right decision for someone else, but it just shows one option maybe.


"Overall, the response has been really lovely, and I have felt very supported. It's been great."


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