Carson Branstine, the tennis star who captured attention at Wimbledon in 2025, has revealed the financial hardships she faced before her breakthrough. The 25-year-old Canadian, who defeated former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in qualifying to reach her first Grand Slam main draw, broke down in tears after discovering she had just $26 (£19) in her bank account.
Financial Struggles Before the WTA Final
Speaking to Telegraf.rs, Branstine recalled the moment she checked her account balance a couple of weeks before playing her first WTA final in Cancun. “I looked at my account balance and only had $26 (£19). I thought about how I’m going to finance myself for the tournament now,” she said. “I cried. I called my friends, but I wasn’t allowed to call my parents. If they found out, they would be very angry. I just said to myself, ‘Don’t think too much. Do it.’ And so after training, I drove around Los Angeles and delivered dinners to people.”
Branstine, who transitioned from college tennis to the professional circuit in 2024, had taken on work as an Uber Eats driver to generate income. She explained that the cost of living in Southern California and financing ITF tournaments was extremely expensive, with even filling up her gas tank draining her finances.
Wimbledon Debut and Injury Setback
Branstine’s hard work paid off in 2025 when she qualified for Wimbledon and earned around £66,000. She was hailed as the tournament’s “most beautiful debutant” and faced World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the first round on Court No. 1. Although she lost 6-1, 7-5, her performance earned her recognition. However, an injury suffered at the Australian Open has ruled her out of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
Despite her tennis success, Branstine continues to model, a sideline she genuinely enjoys. She has collaborated with fashion, fitness, and skincare brands and is signed with an agency. “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 for 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,” she said.
Parallels Between Modelling and Tennis
Branstine noted the similarities between modelling and tennis, saying, “You are an object a lot, and people sometimes forget you’re a person too.” She added that she was signed by agencies for her look, not her tennis. Her modelling career has helped bankroll her sporting ambitions, allowing her to remain independent.
Born in the United States, Branstine represents Canada and has a background as a prolific junior and college athlete. Her story highlights the financial realities faced by lower-ranked WTA players, who often struggle to fund their careers despite the glamour associated with professional tennis.
