It was a landmark weekend of triumph for ACT Tennis with outstanding performances across both junior and professional competitions. The ACT Boys Team captured the 2026 NSW 12/U State Teams Championship, while ACT’s Ashleigh Simes made a breakthrough on the Pro Tour, reaching her first career ITF final.
The ACT Boys Team, Jairus Dass, Odin Stroud, Lindsay Grave, and Bon Johansen, coached and managed by Lachlan Rowing, claimed the championship title at the NSW 12/U State Teams Championships held at Bathurst Tennis Club on March 21–22. The win marks only the third time an ACT team has claimed this honour, in a dominant display of skill and teamwork and underscoring the strength of the territory’s junior tennis programs.
Meanwhile, the ACT Girls Team impressed, finishing third overall. Celeste Rubiano, Ksenia Arutyunova, Alicia Yang, and Alexandria Lindrud, guided by coach/manager Sarina Kang, displayed skill and determination. Celeste Rubiano’s outstanding effort was recognised with the Compete Award, celebrating her determination and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Adding to ACT’s weekend of success, 23-year-old Ashleigh Simes delivered a breakout performance on the Australian Pro Tour at the Wodonga International, reaching her first career ITF final. Simes, who represented the ACT in this year’s AO 1 Point Slam, did not drop a set during her run, including a notable opening round victory over the No.2 seed, Monique Barry of New Zealand. Simes’ achievement highlights a rising trajectory on the professional circuit.
Nathan Price, Talent Development Manager, Tennis ACT, said:
“What an incredible weekend for ACT Tennis. To see our boys bring home the NSW State title, only the third time in our history, is extraordinary. Our girls also competed with grit and pride, and Celeste’s Compete Award is well deserved. Ashleigh’s breakthrough on the Pro Tour is further proof that our pathway and development programs are producing players who can compete at the highest levels.”
The 2026 NSW 12/U State Teams Championships continue to showcase the strength and depth of junior talent from across the region, while Simes’ performance at Wodonga signals exciting prospects for ACT athletes on the professional stage – a clear sign that ACT players are making their mark at every level of the game.
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