Ottawa tennis star Gabriela Dabrowski receives Key to the City

Three Olympic games, three Grand Slam titles and two Wimbledon’s are just a few of the accolades that Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski holds. Her latest badge of honour? The Key to the City.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is set to present the Key to the City to Dabrowski at a ceremony at Ottawa City Hall Thursday evening to recognize “her outstanding athletic achievements and her remarkable contributions to sport in Ottawa, across Canada, and on the international stage,” the city says.

Dabrowski is an Ottawa native, growing up in the Blossom Park neighbourhood. She started playing tennis at the age of seven and, quickly realizing her potential, began training at the Ottawa Athletic Club under coach Tony Milo. Dabrowski quickly rose through the ranks, winning everything from local tournaments to contests on the provincial, national and even international stage.

Beginning her professional career around 2006, Dabrowski went on to compete in three Wimbeldon matches and to take the court at the U.S. Open in New York. She has won two singles titles in Nashville and Toronto and captured 17 women’s doubles titles on Women’s Tennis Association Tour.

Dabrowski holds two mixed doubles grand slam titles from 2017 and 2018 and a women’s doubles grand slam title from 2023 with Erin Routliffe.

Dabrowski made her Olympic debut in 2016 in Rio and competed as well in Tokyo in 2020. She brought home bronze at the Paris games in 2024.

But Dabrowski’s strength is exemplified in more than just the way she hits the ball. In 2024 she faced and overcame a breast cancer diagnosis, all while continuing to compete at the highest level.

“Gabriela Dabrowski is a three-time Grand Slam tennis champion, an ambassador for Canadian sport, and one of Ottawa’s most accomplished athletes,” Mayor Sutcliffe said in a press release. “She is also an incredibly inspiring person, a cancer survivor, and a terrific role model. I’m so proud to present Gaby with the Key to the City in recognition of everything she has accomplished on and off the court. It’s a thrill to welcome her back to Ottawa and present her with our city’s highest honour.”

The Key to the City is Ottawa’s highest honour and is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the city. Previous recipients have included Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Patrick Chan, Dr. Vera Etches, actress Sandra Oh, Daniel Alfredsson, Henry Burris; Alex Trebek, and was last awarded to Canadian female curling team, Team Homan.

The evening’s ceremony will take place at Ottawa City Hall gathered with Dabrowski’s friends, family and supporters.

Residents can watch the ceremony on Rogers TV Cable 22.