'I didn't think I would walk again': Ash Simes' remarkable return to tennis
Just six months after a serious car accident left her questioning whether she would ever walk again, Australian tennis player Ashleigh Simes is back competing on the professional tour.
In late March, the 23-year-old was enjoying the best period of her young professional career. After reaching the final of the W15 tournament in Wodonga, Simes claimed her maiden ITF singles title at Swan Hill, defeating Cyprus' Olga Danilova 6-4, 6-1.
It was a breakthrough fortnight for the Canberra player, who had only recently begun pursuing professional tennis following her college career in the United States.
However, just four days after lifting that trophy, everything changed.
While travelling to another tournament, Simes was involved in a serious car accident that saw her airlifted to hospital. She required surgery on her pelvis, fractured her left collarbone and suffered a kidney tear.
"It was definitely a big shock, especially because it happened so suddenly when I was on the way to another tournament," Simes told The First Serve.
"I honestly didn't think I would be able to even walk again because I couldn't see my legs for 45 minutes when I was stuck in the car."
The severity of the accident meant tennis quickly became a secondary concern.
"The mental side of the recovery was almost harder than the physical side," she said.
"After everything that happened, I was just grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to recover."
The road to recovery
For the first six weeks following the accident, Simes faced significant restrictions on her movement.
"It was harder at the beginning because I didn't know how long recovery would be and the extent of the injuries, but I was super lucky to have my family and friends around me," she said.
Unable to walk on her right leg, she also couldn't use crutches because of her fractured collarbone.
Both her parents are nurses, something she credits as a major advantage during those difficult early weeks.
Her parents, brother and extended family provided support, along with Nathan Price, Tennis ACT's Talent Development Manager, and members of the wider tennis community.
"My parents and brother played a massive role in my recovery as well as my extended family," she said.
"Nathan Price also helped a lot, and it was super special to see the whole tennis community come together and support me and the others who were in the crash."
Tickets to the 2027 Kooyong Classic are officially on sale! 🎾 12–14 January 2027. Buy your tickets here 👉 bit.ly/4xEDn7p
While the physical injuries presented obvious challenges, Simes admits the uncertainty surrounding her recovery was particularly difficult.
Learning to appreciate small improvements rather than focus on a return date became an important part of the process.
Working closely with Canberra-based physiotherapist Adnan Asger Ali, who has also worked with Tennis Australia treating professional players, she was eventually able to get back on court, with her rehabilitation carefully managed to avoid further injury.
"It was a really good feeling," she said of picking up a racquet again.
"Tennis has been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, so being able to get back on court meant a lot."
A return to competitive tennis
By September, less than six months after the accident, Simes was ready to test herself in competitive matches.
She initially returned through UTR tournaments, allowing her to assess both her physical condition and confidence before stepping back onto the ITF circuit.
"I definitely think the UTRs were a great opportunity for me to get some matches in and test my fitness a bit," she said.
"It was pretty tough physically and mentally just because I didn't know what to expect.
"But honestly, I went out there not expecting too much and just wanted to enjoy being back on court competing because I wasn't sure I would get that opportunity again at one stage."
Her return to ITF competition came at the W35 event in Wagga Wagga at the end of September, where she immediately showed signs of the form that had taken her to her maiden title earlier in the year.
Simes defeated seventh seed Belle Thompson 6-4, 7-5 in the opening round before recovering from a set down to beat China's Yuhan Liu 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Her run ended in the quarter-finals against Japan's Mutsumi Uemura, but reaching the final eight in her first ITF tournament back was a significant achievement.
She backed that up with another victory at the following week's Wagga Wagga event, defeating Laquisa Khan in straight sets.
For Simes, however, the results are no longer the most important measure of success.
"I wasn't expecting too much, so those wins were just a bonus," she said.
"I honestly am just super happy to be out there and able to compete and do what I love."
Tennis Australia CEO Andrew Abdo spoke to The First Serve Live on Monday night, outlining his vision for the future of Australian tennis.
Despite her encouraging return, Simes acknowledges there is still considerable work ahead before she reaches her previous level.
"I definitely don't feel like I'm back to where I was. I'm still struggling with parts of my body, but that's super expected at this stage with how quickly I returned to matches."
She continues to work with Ali and Matt Wecker, founder and head coach of Canberra-based Wex Athletics, which specialises in athletic performance and strength and conditioning.
"In terms of confidence, I'm trying just to focus on the controllables and all I can do is give my best in each moment," she said.
"So just taking one step at a time and really enjoying the process."
A different perspective on tennis
Asked about her plans for next season, Simes is keeping things simple.
"For 2027, I'm definitely looking to spend a full year on tour and see how it goes," she shared.
"This whole experience has really changed my perspective on tennis and even life in general. I really try and enjoy every minute I get on court cause it can change at any second.
"I'm incredibly lucky to still be here and have the opportunity to play again, and I think that's something I'll always appreciate a lot more now."
ASTE (Australian Synthetic Turf Enterprises) is Melbourne’s tennis court construction specialist.
One game and you will know the difference.
Play on a court you’re proud of, play on an ASTE court.
Head to www.aste.com.au to discover more.
Comments