Amanda Anisimova’s Stunning Roland-Garros Comeback: Injury Return Ignites 2026 French Open Buzz

Amanda Anisimova’s comeback narrative added another chapter in Paris this week as the 24-year-old American cruised past Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-3, 6-1 in Monday’s first round, her first tour match in almost two months following a left-wrist injury. Now ranked No. 6, Anisimova returns to Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Thursday for a second-round clash with Austria’s Julia Grabher, a meeting oddsmakers have pegged as one of the day’s must-watch contests thanks to Anisimova’s aggressive baseline game and Grabher’s heavy topspin forehand. Victory would book the 2019 semi-finalist into the last 32 for the fourth time in her career and further boost confidence after an injury layoff that saw her miss the entire clay warm-up swing. The Floridian has credited a revamped service motion and extra protective strapping on her wrist for the immediate uptick in form, telling reporters she is “pain-free and grateful just to be back competing” following extensive rehab in Miami. Coaches emphasize that the extra racket-head speed generated on her kick serve is producing more free points and shorter rallies—critical on the demanding Roland Garros clay. A deep French Open run would also propel Anisimova into the summer hard-court season firmly inside the WTA Top 5, positioning her as a leading contender for the upcoming Los Angeles 1000 and the US Open. With marquee names like Świątek and Sabalenka occupying the opposite half of the draw, the path is open for Anisimova to replicate—or even surpass—her breakout 2019 semifinal finish in Paris. Key keywords: Amanda Anisimova, French Open 2026, Roland Garros, comeback, wrist injury, Julia Grabher, WTA ranking, tennis news, U.S. tennis star.