Sabalenka will be expected to sail through her opening match against Branstine this time around, with her opponent ranked at No. 194 in the world.
Branstine, who is signed with two modelling agencies, has never qualified for a Grand Slam in her career but did win the junior doubles at the Australian Open and French Open in 2017.
She booked her place in the main draw at this year’s Wimbledon after stunning French Open semi-finalist Lois Boisson in qualifying.
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And ahead of the London Grand Slam, Branstine explained how her modelling work has helped her fund her tennis endeavours.
“I love being in front of a camera during a photoshoot,” Branstine told CLAY. “It’s fun – I love fashion. It has been one of the reasons why I have been able to afford some trips. I didn’t want to ask my parents for anything, I wanted everything to come from me and my tennis.
“I didn’t sign for these agencies because of my tennis, I did it because of my physical appearance. Strangely enough, modelling and tennis have a lot of similarities – a lot of times you’re an object, and people don’t always realise you’re a person too.”
Turning her attention to Wimbledon, she added: “We’re not in Paris anymore, we’re playing on grass now, so it’s a completely different sport.
“I have a lot of confidence in myself, and maybe not everyone knows me, but I think I can beat anyone.
“I am convinced that I have the game to measure myself against anyone and I am happy to be able to show it at this time.”
She then explained: “I would say that I am one of the best athletes on the circuit. I’m confident in that – I run fast, lift a lot of weight and I’m quite agile for how tall I am.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk