LONDON –Thanks to her modelling work, Canadian Carson Branstine has been able to fund her travels and play tennis around the world.
Ranked No. 197 in the WTA, Branstine is also a professional model. She’s signed with two modelling agencies, and her Instagram account (@carsonbranstine) showcases how she balances both of her passions.
“I love being in front of the camera during a shoot. It’s fun, I love fashion. It’s been one of the reasons I’ve been able to pay some of my trips. I didn’t want to ask my parents for anything — I wanted everything to come from me and from my tennis,” Branstine said in an interview with a small group of media outlets, including CLAY.
“I wasn’t signed by these agencies because of my tennis — it was for my look,” said the Canadian, who stands 180 cm tall, with blue eyes and light brown hair. “Modelling and tennis are weirdly similar: you are an object a lot, and people sometimes forget you’re a person too.”
On Tuesday, in the first round of the Wimbledon qualifying, she caused the upset of the day: a 6–2, 6–7 (1), 6–4 win over France’s Lois Boisson, a recent Roland Garros semifinalist.
“We’re not in Paris anymore — this is grass, and it’s basically a different sport,” said the 24-year-old. “I have a lot of confidence in myself. Maybe not everyone knows who I am, but I believe I can beat anyone. I know my game can stand up to anyone’s, and I’m glad I can show that now.”
Branstine has struggled with injuries throughout her career, which has kept her from gaining momentum. Her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes are key weapons, but her body hasn’t always cooperated.
“I’ve spent in total over five years injured. The last time I played a full season was when I was 15! I did my own research, stopped listening to people, and figured out what works for my body. I’ve found the secret formula, because I’d say I’m one of the best athletes on tour. I believe in that — I’m fast, I lift a lot of weight, and I’m pretty agile for someone my height.”
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
The Canadian is also a great student. She studied five years in college in the United States, getting her bachelor’s degree in Society, Ethics, and Law, with a double minor in Philosophy and Sports Management. While off the tour, she assisted a lawyer for a year.
“I used to dress up, go to court, file cases… we even won a few. I did family law shadowing a lawyer, which was very emotional.”
She wants to prepare the exam and go finish her law studies, but also become a mother and focus on her family: “I’m dying to go back to law school after tennis, but I also want to become a mom and start a family.”
Branstine, who will face her friend and fellow Canadian Bianca Andreescu for a place in the final round of qualifying at Roehampton, set herself a clear goal to avoid retirement: playing the Roland Garros qualifying draw. She made it to Paris — and now she’s chasing more.
Her new ultimatum? “Now I have to crack the top 100.”
