Amanda Anisimova marked her comeback on Parisian clay with a convincing win over wild-card Sarah Rakotomanga. The American controlled the match from start to finish, sealing a 6-3, 6-1 victory in just over an hour on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. “The first round of a slam is never easy and obviously I haven’t played a clay match yet, but overall I was really excited and feeling good. Really happy to be back playing,” she said.
Managing recovery and preparation
After weeks away from competition due to a left wrist injury, Anisimova explained how she used her time off to refine her game. “It was just getting the reps in, getting enough trainings in, because we normally don’t even get much of a preseason. I tried to use that time to stay ready, and I’m really happy with the way things are going with Sebastian,” she commented, referring to her new coaching setup. She added that her wrist is now fully healed and that she was careful not to rush her return.
Smart approach to health
Anisimova acknowledged the growing awareness among players about injury prevention. “None of us really want to risk something getting worse and causing us to be out for the whole year. I’m seeing that a lot of players are getting more smart and mindful about staying healthy and using preventative measures,” she said. For her, the decision to play Roland-Garros came only after completing enough practice matches and feeling confident in her fitness.
A new generation’s spirit
Beyond tennis, Anisimova reflected on the atmosphere among younger players on tour. “I would say it’s very Gen Z of us. I feel like we honestly don’t take things too seriously, which is a great thing. When I first came on at 16, it was very different, the energy and the atmosphere. Now there are groups of friends, and we’re able to be friendly and even hang out off the court, then compete against each other with respect,” she explained. She praised the warmer, more social environment, highlighting players like Eva Lewis as examples of this shift.
Anisimova’s confident start and thoughtful reflections underline both her readiness to compete and her embrace of a new, more open culture in tennis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpxT8oDkvCk
WTA French Open - Amanda Anisimova's projected path
Anisimova at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently the world no.6, the American has managed to achieve a composed 12-6 win-loss record in 2026. Anisimova is currently playing at the French Open where she overcame the world no.153 Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-3 6-1.
Amanda Anisimova will face the world no.121 Julia Grabher in the 2nd round. They have never played each other until now in top competitions.
The American won 4 titles in her career: 3 on hard courts and 1 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
