Novak Djokovic showed true colours when he saw Wimbledon star and model who shouted him out

Canadian tennis star and model Carson Branstine had a Wimbledon debut to remember this year, despite a first-round defeat to Aryna Sabalenka. The 24-year-old revealed that she had an unexpected encounter with her idol, Novak Djokovic, who himself had a disappointing end to his tournament after being knocked out in the semi-finals byeventual champion Jannik Sinner.

Branstine's meeting with the seven-time Wimbledon winner came about after she publicly praised him following her qualification for the event's main draw. Her coach is a compatriot of Djokovic's, leading Branstine, who has had to work hardto forge a career in the sport, to pay homage to Serbia's finest as she described the tennis legend as someone she "looks up to".

Despite losing 6-1, 7-5 to Sabalenka in her first match, the experience produced a silver lining as it allowed Branstine to meet the 24-time Grand Slam champion in person, who showcased his class by thanking Branstine for her kind words, reports the Express.

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Recounting the encounter on tennis podcast The Slice, Branstine said: "The way I met Novak just caught me off guard. After the match, I met him when I was walking to the media, he was like 'Carson,' I was like, 'Oh my gosh, hey you, what's up?'

"I literally had to leave, and he knew it too, and he was walking out with his kids. He was super nice, saying thank you for shouting me out.

"(He said) 'I think you have a great game, I saw some of your matches, I'd love to talk to you more when there's more time.' I guess that's not the last time we will talk, but he's awesome."

Branstine went on to praise Djokovic, 38, for how he encourages the younger stars of the game – an attribute she believes more WTA veterans should possess.

"I love that he connects with a lot of the younger players, I think it's an important thing for someone who's at that point in their career," Branstine continued.

"I wish more players did it, honestly, especially on the women's side, it doesn't seem like there's anyone quite so engaging, it was refreshing."

This year's SW19 marked a major turning point for Branstine. She booked her place in the main draw after stunning French Open semi-finalist Lois Boisson, former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, and Raluka Serban, to bag the first round tie with Sabalenka.

Previously, Branstine had 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 has also drawn attention due to her modelling, with the star signed to two agencies, Wilhemina and The Outfit.

Branstine has revealed that her gig on the side actually helps fund her blossoming tennis career. “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."

She added: "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."