LONDON — Canadian tennis player Carson Branstine, who has been dubbed Wimbledon's "most beautiful player" by fans, has spoken out after receiving cruel online comments suggesting she "looks like a man." The 23-year-old made her Grand Slam main draw debut at Wimbledon this year, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Branstine, a former junior doubles champion at the Australian Open and French Open, took to social media to address the hurtful remarks. In a heartfelt post, she wrote, "It’s disheartening to see such negativity when I’m just trying to focus on my passion for tennis. Everyone deserves respect, regardless of how they look."
The Backlash and Response
The comments surfaced after Branstine’s first-round match at Wimbledon, where she competed in the women’s singles and doubles events. Despite her impressive performance, some social media users fixated on her appearance rather than her athletic achievements. Branstine, known for her powerful baseline game, chose to respond with grace and resilience.
In an interview with Tennis Now, she elaborated: "I’ve worked so hard to get here, and it’s frustrating when people reduce me to just my looks—whether positive or negative. I’m here to play tennis, not to fit into someone else’s idea of beauty."
A Rising Star in Tennis
Branstine, who represents Canada but was born in the U.S., has been a rising talent in the tennis world since her junior days. Her career highlights include:
- Winning the 2017 Australian Open junior doubles title with Bianca Andreescu
- Claiming the 2017 French Open junior doubles title alongside Marta Kostyuk
- Breaking into the WTA Top 200 in singles in 2022
Her Wimbledon debut was a long-awaited moment, as injuries had previously delayed her progress. "This tournament means everything to me," she said in a pre-match press conference. "I’ve overcome so much to be here, and I’m not letting anyone take that away from me."
The Broader Issue of Body Shaming in Sports
Branstine’s experience highlights a persistent issue in women’s sports: the undue focus on athletes’ appearances. Fellow players, including Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, have previously spoken out against body shaming and sexist commentary in tennis.
Sports psychologist Dr. Rebecca Symes weighed in: "Female athletes often face a double standard—they’re expected to perform at the highest level while also conforming to outdated beauty ideals. Comments like these can be incredibly damaging to mental health and self-esteem."
Support from the Tennis Community
Branstine received an outpouring of support from fans and peers. Canadian teammate Leylah Fernandez tweeted: "Proud of you, Carson! Ignore the noise and keep shining. Your talent speaks for itself."
The WTA also released a statement condemning online harassment: "We stand with Carson and all athletes who face unjust criticism. Tennis should be a welcoming space for everyone, free from discrimination and body shaming."
Looking Ahead
Despite the negativity, Branstine remains focused on her career. She is set to compete in several upcoming tournaments, including the US Open qualifiers. "I’m not letting this distract me," she said. "I have big goals, and I’m just getting started."
Her resilience serves as an inspiration to young athletes facing similar challenges. As Branstine put it: "Tennis is about heart, skill, and determination—not appearances. I hope my story encourages others to stay true to themselves."