Listen to this article
Approximately 3 minutes
The audio version of this article was created using text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.
Team Canada advanced to the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers after defeating hosts Mexico on Sunday and winning the Group A playoffs at Sonoma.
Victoria Mboko of Toronto defeated Renata Zarazua 6-1, 6-1 in 53 minutes, and American-Canadian Carson Branstein of Montreal beat Julia Garcia 6-3, 7-6 to win the best-of-three final.
If Canada were to withdraw one of its singles matches, it would have to play a mandatory doubles match with Ottawa's Gabriela Dabrowski and Mboko, who will face Juliana Olmos and Zarazua.
Canada beat Denmark 2-1 on Saturday, setting up Sunday's winner-take-all showdown. Mexico beat Denmark 2-1 on Friday.
Victoria Mboko of Canada defeated Renata Zarazua of Mexico 6-1, 6-1 in the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs in Monterrey, Mexico. The Canadian women win their group with victories over Denmark and Mexico and advance to the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers.
American-Canadian Carson Bransteen got off to a great start against Mexico with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) singles win over Julia Garcia.
Brunstine, who represented the United States before moving to Canada – her mother's birth country – in 2017, needed one hour and 39 minutes to defeat the 22-year-old crowd favorite.
Branstein finished with one ace, three double faults, 3 of 4 break points saved and 2 of 5 break points won. She won 65 percent of her service points and won 2 of 10 return games.
Garcia finished with two aces, no double faults, saved 3 of 5 break points, won 1 of 11 break points, and won only 1 of 11 return games.
“To be honest, I was a little nervous before the match,” Branstein said. “Not only because it was my first draw, but I haven’t played a single match and, to be honest, I haven’t played much tennis in the last month, six weeks. I was struggling with a hamstring strain at the end of the season and obviously my biggest priority was getting healthy.”
“All these girls work hard and put in long hours every day. I knew that my level was at the same level, but in such matches you never know for sure. I did my job, had a great time and won.”
Mboko finished her match with five aces, three double faults and five break point conversions. The young Canadian scored 89 percent of her points on first serve, won all her service games and won five of her seven return games.
“Today's match was obviously difficult,” Mboko said. “It's not easy to play against a really great, talented player, especially in his home country. I’m glad that I was able to gain a foothold and bring victory to the team today.”
