The dream of stepping onto the courts of the main draw at Wimbledon will have to wait. Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah saw her journey come to an end in the second round of the qualifiers for the third Grand Slam tournament, Wimbledon 2026. Facing an experienced opponent, China’s Lin Zhu, the French-Malagasy player could not find the solutions to continue her run on the London grass.
The week had started under the best auspices. In the first round, Sarah Rakotomanga secured a character-filled victory against American Carol Lee. In an intense match lasting over two hours, the 20-year-old player prevailed in three sets (6-4, 4-6, 6-3), showing great mental toughness after conceding the second set. Her commitment and ability to handle key points allowed her to clear a first obstacle, which is always tricky in a Grand Slam tournament.
The challenge proved to be of an entirely different level in the second round. Facing Chinese player Lin Zhu, the No. 30 seed in the qualifiers and a former member of the world’s Top 50, Sarah was dominated by her opponent’s experience.
More consistent in the rallies and very efficient on her service games, Lin Zhu won in two sets (6-2, 6-3), ending the Franco-Malagasy’s run before the third and final qualifying round, which leads to the main draw.
While the disappointment is real, this elimination does not call into question the progress of Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Ranked 177th in the world, she is gradually establishing herself among the players capable of competing in the qualifiers of Grand Slam tournaments. Her regular presence at such events testifies to the progress made over the last few months.
At only 20 years old, the player continues to gain experience against seasoned opponents on the WTA circuit. Each victory and each high-level confrontation contributes to her learning process and her climb up the world rankings.
Donné Raherinjatovo
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-29 08:00:37 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/chez-les-femmes-sarah-rakotomanga.html