Model Carson Branstine Loses to Arnya Sabalenka in Straight Sets as She Makes Wimbledon Debut

American-Canadian model Carson Branstine made her Wimbledon debut on Monday, June 30, but ultimately fell short to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Branstine, 24, ranked at world No. 194, lost in straight sets (6-1, 7-5) to Sabalenka.

The athlete and Wilhelmina-represented model's debut was highly anticipated by fans who have followed her modeling career, which has included campaigns with Zara and Lululemon.

Speaking to media before competing in Wimbledon, Branstine said she has been able to pay for her some of her trips to tournaments with money she's made from modeling.

“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," she told reporters, according to CLAY.

According to Wimbledon.com, Branstine refers to her modeling as “a cool little side hustle."

Branstine noted that she didn't want to ask her parents "for anything" and she wanted "everything to come from me and my tennis," while speaking with reporters.

Modeling and tennis are "weirdly similar," Branstine said. "You are an object a lot, and people sometimes forget you're a person too."

In 2024, Branstine was part of the Texas A&M University team that won the NCAA championship.

Beyond her success on the court and in front of the camera, Branstine graduated with a bachelor's degree in society, ethics and law from A&M in 2023. She told CLAY she plans to pursue her law degree once she wraps up her tennis career.

"I'm dying to go back to law school after tennis, but I also want to become a mom and start a family," said Branstine.

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Confidence is key for the multi-talented California native, whose cousin is Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman. Branstine calls herself "one of the best athletes on tour."

"I believe in that," said Branstine. "I'm fast, I lift a lot of weight, and I'm pretty agile for someone my height."