- Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah is the new tennis sensation following a major win at the 2025 São Paulo Open
- It’s her first victory in a 250 WTA event at only 19 years old. Her success is a major development for Africa where Rakotomanga traces her heritage to
- She reached her highest-ever ranking—world No. 131—and she’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting young players in tennis
Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah is the new tennis sensation following a major win at the 2025 São Paulo Open.
It’s her first victory in a 250 WTA event at only 19 years old. Her success is a major development for Africa, where Rakotomanga traces her heritage.
Today, she is a popular French tennis player warming the hearts of many people. She is making big moves in the WTA Tour after a stint in junior tennis championships.
She reached her highest-ever ranking—world No. 131—and she’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting young players in tennis. Here’s what you should know about her rise.
Is Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah Africa or French?
The 19-year-old Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah is a French woman of African heritage. Rakotomanga was born in Antsirabe, Madagascar, in December 2005 to Malagasy parents.
Her family then moved to France when she was still young, and she grew up in Montpellier. She picked up a tennis racket at just six years old, inspired by legends Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal.
Today, she trains between Toulouse and Plaisir, sharpening her game across both cities. Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah has built much of her tennis journey on the ITF Tour, where she’s already claimed four titles.
Her breakthrough came in December 2022 with a win over Alba Rey García in Valencia, followed by victories in Melilla, Gonesse, and Arequipa.
Before her standout performance in São Paulo, she made it to the biggest final of her career at the W100 Open de Biarritz in June 2025. She finished runner-up to Mayar Sherif.
Sarah Rakotomanga Entry to WTA Tour
At just 19 years old, Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah is still new to the WTA Tour, but she’s already making waves. Her big win at the São Paulo Open came in only her third time playing in a main draw at this level.
She first appeared on the WTA Tour earlier this year at the Rouen Open, where she entered the qualifying rounds with a wild card.
She impressed by beating Emily Appleton and top seed Jessika Ponchet to earn a spot in the main draw.
In her debut match, she shocked seventh seed Lucia Bronzetti with a strong 6–2, 6–3 win, then defeated Jaqueline Cristian with the same score to reach the quarterfinals.
Her run ended here against Suzan Lamens, but it was a major step forward. She made her Grand Slam debut at the French Open in 2025 thanks to a wild card.
However, she lost in the first round to Spanish qualifier Leyre Romero Gormaz and also exited early in the doubles event with partner Émeline Dartron.
After falling in the first round of US Open qualifying, she entered the São Paulo Open and fought her way through to the main draw.
She came back from the edge of defeat to beat Ana Sofía Sánchez in round one. She then took down seeded players Panna Udvardy and Renata Zarazua to reach the final.
She claimed her first WTA title by defeating Janice Tjen.
