Not every rising tennis star kicks off their Grand Slam journey with a background in fashion shoots and legal studies—but Carson Branstine isn’t your average player.
The 24-year-old Canadian-American is set to make her Wimbledon debut this Monday on Court No. 1, and the buzz around her couldn’t be louder.
She’s not just a tennis newcomer to the All England Club—she’s also a professional model, and somehow she’s managed to juggle both worlds with impressive grace.
Storming Through Qualifiers to Face a Giant
Branstine’s path to this moment wasn’t handed to her.
Ranked 197 in the world, she had to grind through three qualifying rounds to earn her place—one of which included a major upset win over Lois Boisson, a French Open semi-finalist.
That victory alone turned heads, and now, all eyes are on her as she gears up to face world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka in the main draw.
It’s a big ask for any debutant, but Branstine doesn’t seem fazed by the pressure.
Modelling Helped Fund Her Tennis Dream
Carson’s journey in professional tennis hasn’t been smooth, largely due to a series of injuries that kept her off the court for five years.
But instead of waiting around, she leaned into her modelling career to help cover travel expenses and keep her tennis ambitions alive.
“I love being in front of the camera during a shoot.
It’s fun, I love fashion,” she shared in an interview with Clay Tenis. “Modelling actually helped me pay for trips.
I didn’t want to rely on my parents—I wanted everything to come from me.”
Interestingly, she draws parallels between the two worlds: “Modelling and tennis are weirdly similar—you’re often treated like an object, and people forget you’re also a person.”
Confidence and Grit Ahead of Sabalenka Clash
While she admits that switching from clay to grass is no easy feat, Carson’s mindset is refreshingly bold.
“We’re not in Paris anymore, this is grass, and it’s basically a different sport,” she said. “But I believe in myself.
Maybe not everyone knows who I am yet, but I know my game can compete with anyone’s. I’m excited to finally show that.”
That kind of quiet self-belief, paired with her determination, is what’s making people pay attention.
More Than Just an Athlete and Model
Beyond the court and the camera, Branstine has built a strong academic foundation.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Society, Ethics, and Law, with minors in both Philosophy and Sports Management.
She even spent a year assisting a lawyer, gaining hands-on experience with family law cases and real courtroom action.
And while she’s hinted at a future in law—or maybe even starting a family—those dreams are on pause.
For now, the only goal that matters is Monday’s match.
All Eyes on Monday’s Showdown
Branstine’s story is already inspiring: a young woman who’s carved her own path, balanced multiple careers, and now stands on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
Facing Aryna Sabalenka is no small challenge—but win or lose, Carson Branstine has already proven she’s got the spirit, skill, and heart to go far.
Wimbledon may have just found its most unexpected star.