Quarantine Q&A—Gaby Dabrowski offsets studies, player council with sun

In this new Q&A series, TENNIS.com will check in with players stationed all around the world while hanging tight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Gaby Dabrowski tells us about her time at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla.

Describe a day in the quarantine life where you are currently based.

I'm at Saddlebrook in Florida. This is where I normally train during my pre-season. I work out for about 1.5 hours in the morning and I hit on average once a week. In the afternoons and evenings, I balance my schoolwork and Player Council duties, and catch up on reading and TV.

Do you have access to a tennis court? If not, what are you doing to stay sharp?

Yes, I do. However, I don't feel the need to be on court a lot right now because we have such an extended break from tennis. If we are able to begin playing again toward the end of July then I will probably pick up my on-court hours in June. Right now my priorities are to stay in shape, to educate myself, and to rest.

If the entire season is cancelled, will you pursue other avenues to earn a living while competition is on a hiatus?

I haven't thought that far ahead. For now, I don't plan to because I'm still quite busy with school, and I enjoy being able to take my time to read and catch up on stuff that I didn't have a chance to pursue before.

Gaby Dabrowski

Nutrition plays an important role in athlete’s daily life. How much are you cooking versus relying on others, like family, or utilizing delivery services?

I'm eating really well. I'm fortunate to be staying with friends—who are like family—here at Saddlebrook, and one cooks dinner almost every night. We've gotten takeout only a handful of times in the past month. I make my own breakfast and I usually have leftovers for lunch.

What are some unexpected activities that have managed to keep you occupied?

Nothing too much in my case. Player Council duties have been fairly time-consuming. There are many things to be taken care of behind the scenes, and we also listen to a lot of player feedback. I've done a couple game nights with friends, which were pretty fun.

How often do you stay connected with your team, and who oversees your at-home workout program?**

Well I wouldn't say I have a set "team" as my budget doesn't allow for a full-time coach/trainer/physio, etc. I'm in touch with various coaches that I've worked with a few times a week, but we aren't discussing tennis, which is honestly quite refreshing. My fitness trainer at Saddlebrook sets up the workouts, but the beauty here is that I've done them all outside and on the turf/field area. I haven't been confined to my home because I have access to these areas that are essentially in my backyard. I'm very lucky to be able to spend time out in the sun.

When it comes to rest, are you treating each week like you're at a tournament, or do you allow yourself to sleep in and stay up late when desired?**

I do my workouts around 11 a.m., which works well for me because I'm not a natural early riser. On Fridays and Saturdays I let myself sleep about an hour longer. Your body responds best to routine, so during this hiatus from the tour I'm cutting myself some slack, but not to the point where I'm forming any bad habits.

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