Amanda Anisimova defeated Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah, 6-3, 6-1, in the first round of the French Open.
After missing the majority of the clay season due to injury, Anisimova returned in Paris alongside Sebastian Sachs, Emma Raducanu’s former coach.
Working together on a trial basis at Roland Garros, Anisimova and Sachs are now 1-0, as they look ahead to the second round.
Give us your one wild prediction for Roland Garros!
During her post-match press conference, Anisimova provided an update on her injury and shared how things are going with her new coach, Sachs.
Amanda Anisimova is ‘really happy’ with Sebastian Sachs as they make a winning start at the French Open
Anisimova was asked what she’s been working on in training during her time off.
“It’s nothing too complicated,” she said.
“Just keeping on working on my forehand and my serve.
“Obviously, it was my left wrist, so it didn’t make that very difficult for me to keep training and working on those things, but it really was nothing complicated.
“It was just getting the reps in and getting enough training in, because we don’t usually get much of a pre-season.
Amanda Anisimova’s 2026 record (12-6)
| Month(s) | Tournament | Performance | Match wins | Defeat |
| January | Brisbane International | Third round | 1 (Kimberly Birrell) | Marta Kostyuk |
| January | Australian Open | Quarter-final | 4 (Simona Waltert, Katerina Siniakova, Peyton Stearns, Wang Xinyu) | Jessica Pegula |
| February | Qatar Open | Second round | 0 | Karolina Pliskova |
| February | Dubai Tennis Championships | Semi-final | 2 (Janice Tjen, Mirra Andreeva) | Jessica Pegula |
| March | Indian Wells | Fourth round | 2 (Anna Blinkova, Emma Raducanu) | Victoria Mboko |
| March | Miami Open | Fourth round | 2 (Ajla Tomljanovic, Yuliia Starodubtseva) | Belinda Bencic |
| May | French Open | Second round* | 1 (Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah) | – |
“I tried to use my time for that just to stay ready, and whenever I was ready to play again, I would be ready to compete and play matches.
“It has definitely been quite a progression, and I’m really happy with the way things are going with Sebastian [Sachs].
“I am excited to see how this year goes and the future.”
Sachs is best known for his work alongside Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion.
Raducanu enjoyed their time together and was disappointed when they split in 2023, releasing the following statement on X.
“I have really enjoyed Seb’s coaching and working with him; it’s unfortunate that circumstances made it unfeasible for both of us to continue right now, and we have decided to part ways,” said Raducanu.
“I wish Seb all the best moving forwards.”
Raducanu struggled with injuries during her time with Sachs and only played 10 matches before their split.
Anisimova hopes injuries won’t derail her new coaching relationship with the German!
The two-time Grand Slam finalist was later asked whether she had spoken to other players about the rise in wrist injuries on tour.
“Not necessarily,” said Anisimova.
“Some of us have wrist injuries, others have knee or hip problems.
“I think it’s just a part of tennis, and you are going to get hurt eventually, unfortunately.
“You always have to deal with something, and some things are more serious than others, but in terms of resources or doctors, the girls are always super helpful, and we talk about that and check in on how everyone is feeling, so that is really nice in the locker room.
“But everyone has something going on, and I’m just glad it’s feeling better, and it’s nothing too serious.”
Finally fit enough to compete, Anisimova will be keen to extend her stay in Paris…
Who will Amanda Anisimova play next at the French Open?
Securing the win in round one, Anisimova set up a second-round clash with Austria’s Julia Grabher.
Like Anisimova, Grabher dropped just four games in her opening match, defeating Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova, 6-2, 6-2.
The world number six will walk on the court as a heavy favourite, ranked 115 places above the Austrian.
If she avoids the upset, Anisimova will reach the third round of the French Open for the fifth time.
Amanda Anisimova’s French Open performances
- 2017 French Open – Lost in 1R to Kurumi Nara, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6
- 2019 French Open – Lost in SF to Ashleigh Barty, 7-6, 3-6, 3-6
- 2020 French Open – Lost in 3R to Simona Halep, 0-6, 1-6
- 2021 French Open – Lost in 1R to Veronika Kudermetova, 6-7, 1-6
- 2022 French Open – Lost in 4R to Leylah Fernandez, 3-6, 6-4, 3-6
- 2024 French Open – Lost in 2R to Liudmila Samsonova, 2-6, 1-6
- 2025 French Open – Lost in 4R to Aryna Sabalenka, 5-7, 3-6
The American came closest to the title back in 2019, where she lost to Ashleigh Barty in the semi-finals.
To reach the semi-finals this year, Anisimova may need to defeat the likes of Ann Li, Linda Noskova, and Coco Gauff.
