This week was a memorable journey for Canada’s Carson Branstine, although it didn’t quite culminate in a fairy-tale finish.
The 24-year-old Branstine faced a tough defeat in the final of the Cancun Tennis Open—a WTA Tour 125 event—losing 6-2, 6-1 to Colombia’s Emiliana Arango on Saturday.
Branstine, who played a pivotal role in Texas A&M’s NCAA championship victory last year, marked her debut in a WTA Tour final after an impressive journey that began with a single qualifying match to secure her spot in the main draw.
Originally from Irvine, California, Branstine made the decision in 2017 to represent Canada, honoring her mother’s roots from the Toronto region.
In a remarkable feat in 2017, Branstine partnered with Bianca Andreescu to clinch the titles in both the French Open and Australian Open junior girls doubles competitions.
This week, Branstine was ranked 272nd in the world but is expected to rise to No. 207 following her performance.
Her opponent, Arango, aged 24, entered the final with a world ranking of 169th.
