French Open 2026: Amanda Anisimova returns in style with straight-sets win over Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah

American tennis star Amanda Anisimova shook off two months of inactivity to book her place in the second round of Roland-Garros 2026 on Monday (25 May), defeating French wildcard Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 on a sweltering afternoon in Paris.

Playing her first match since withdrawing from the Italian Open in Rome with a left wrist injury, Anisimova needed time to settle against the 20-year-old home hopeful.

Rakotomanga Rajaonah, ranked No. 153 in the world and backed by an energised French crowd, made the stronger start, taking early leads at 2-1 and 3-2, while Anisimova worked to rediscover her rhythm in her first clay-court match of the season.

Conditions added another layer of difficulty. Bright sunshine slowly gave way to creeping shade across the court, forcing both players to constantly adjust their eyes.

The American eventually settled into the match midway through the opening set, regaining control at 4-3 before closing out the set 6-4.

By the start of the second set, the court was fully covered in shade, bringing some relief to the players in the Paris heat. From there, it was smooth sailing for the American as she raced through the second set 6-1.

Anisimova next faces Austria’s Julia Grabher in the second round on Wednesday (27 May),

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