ONE OF the world’s leading tennis players has been donating portions of her prize money towards organisations that try to combat violence against women.

Gabriela Dabrowski – the world No.3 doubles ace and a two-time US Open champion – has been handing over cash throughout the 2026 season.

For every game she wins on court, she gives $20 (£15) to the 1in3Fund, a global philanthropic initiative that is determined to end physical abuse against all women and children.

It was set-up following the tragic death of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was killed by her boyfriend in Kenya two years ago.

Weeks after she competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the marathon runner was doused in petrol and set on fire by an ex following a land dispute.

The 33-year-old died four days after she was attacked, having suffered burns to more than 80 per cent of her body.

Her boyfriend later died in hospital, having been admitted with burns on more than 40 per cent of his body.

Dabrowski, 34, read about the appalling story in the news and felt compelled to act for this calendar year.

Before competing in this week’s WTA Finals in Indian Wells, the Canadian had won more than 900 games – which works out at more than $18,000 (£13,000) – since January.

Dabrowski said: “That moment with Rebecca Cheptegei was beyond horrific.

“But one in three represents the statistic of women and girls above the age of 15 who have faced physical or sexual violence.

“To me that statistic, when I heard it, was very staggering because that’s what we know what has been reported. So quite frankly, it’s probably higher.

“You probably know someone who has faced violence in some way. I just thought, I can’t really look away from this.

“I don’t want her death to be in vain. And I want something really positive to come out of not just my campaign.

“I want to make changes. So everything is done in her memory, but also we’re looking forwards.

“And we’re trying to see where we can make the most impact and what charities involved can help with that prevention. Right now we have seven of them, which is amazing.”

Dabrowski – a three-time Wimbledon women’s doubles finalist – hands the money over at various junctures of the season, usually after a ‘swing’ of tournaments in the same region.

In conjunction with High Impact Athletes, her figure is being matched dollar-for-dollar by one of her sponsors, GreySuits Advisors Inc.

The Ontario star, who last year underwent radiation treatment for breast cancer, added: “It was Rebecca’s story that inspired me.

“Some of the charities work with local governments on policy reform. Some work with mental health support and education – almost like a preventative space.

“They’re doing amazing work, really trying to prevent violence in the first place.

“I’d love to go and visit their work. But if I can donate and the organisations on the ground are already having an impact, there might not be a reason for me to be there in person.

“If they would like me there for some reason, absolutely. If they see that there’s a role that’s beneficial. The point is to empower those organisations to make a difference.

“My parents instilled the value in me that whenever you have a chance in your life, whatever that looks like, and you want to give back, do it. Take the chance.

“I definitely do see parallels between my journey as of late and wanting to give back even stronger than before.”