Amanda Anisimova is recovering from injury, while Sarah Rakotomanga is making a name for herself. This sets the stage for an intriguing match. For Anisimova, the state of her wrist is uncertain. She first injured it at the Miami Open in March and has not played a match since.
Anisimova’s Injury Concerns
Anisimova has been increasing the intensity of her training to prepare for this week. However, practice is different from match play. She first injured it at the Miami Open in March and has not been seen on a match court since.
Rakotomanga’s Rapid Ascent
Sarah Rakotomanga made her WTA Tour debut last year. Starting with a ranking of No.349, she finished the year with the Sao Paulo title and as No.123 (she is currently ranked No.153). Originally from Madagascar, she now trains in Toulouse and represents France.
Beating Anisimova, a semifinalist in 2019 and runner-up at Wimbledon and the US Open last year, would be a significant challenge. However, Rakotomanga has already achieved her first title in her first year. The 20-year-old admires Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“Rafa, I really like his spirit and his attitude on court,” she explained. “That’s something I’ve tried to take from him. And I really like Federer’s game. I wanted my game to be clear and to have the class of Federer and the attitude of Nadal.”
The Clay Court Advantage
Like Nadal, Sarah loves to play on clay. The pace of the court suits her. “I have time,” she said. “That’s it. I have time to put my game into place.”
If Anisimova’s wrist is in good shape and she can hit the ball with her usual power, she should be in control. But if her wrist isn’t holding up and the clay gives Sarah time, the match on Court Suzanne-Lenglen could be a battle.
Wawrinka’s Farewell
Stan Wawrinka is also one to watch. Like Gael Monfils, he is playing his last year on tour. Coming back to Paris, where he secured one of his three Grand Slam singles wins, feels special.
- Anisimova is recovering from a wrist injury sustained at the Miami Open.
- Rakotomanga won her first title in her first year on the WTA Tour.
- Wawrinka is playing his last year on tour.
The upcoming matches promise a mix of challenges and opportunities for these players.