Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has confirmed his departure from Tennis Australia to take up a role as CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Tiley has been the tournament director of the Australian Open since 2006 and the CEO of Tennis Australia since 2013.
He’ll remain in the role while Tennis Australia appoints his successor over the coming months.
“Leading this team has been the privilege of my life. I am incredibly proud that Tennis Australia is now recognised globally as the player’s partner and the benchmark for the sport, events and entertainment,” Tiley said.
“The sport in Australia is in excellent shape.
“Tennis is one of the nation’s most popular sports, and participation is growing strongly — up 8 per cent last year.
“We have a great group of players performing at the highest level and a world-class team developing the next generation of talented players and coaches.”
Craig Tiley congratulates Novak Djokovic after the Serb won the 2023 Australian Open. (Getty Images: James D Morgan)
The USTA said Tiley would formally assume his responsibilities in the coming months.
The US governing body said Tiley was widely recognised “for driving monumental growth in tennis participation during his tenure in the role in Australia”.
“Craig brings a rare combination of global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots,” USTA Board Chair Brian Vahaly said.
“As we look to fully leverage the power of the US Open as a platform for inspiration and growth, Craig’s leadership and understanding of the entire tennis ecosystem will be invaluable.”
‘Strength to strength’
Before joining Tennis Australia, Tiley was a successful coach in the US college system, leading the University of Illinois men’s team from 1994 to 2005.
The Australian Open drew record crowds in 2026. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
Tennis Australia Chair Chris Harrop described Tiley’s tenure as transformative.
“Under Craig’s leadership, participation and engagement with our sport has gone from strength to strength,” he said.
“Tennis is very much front of mind for many Australians — from the Hot Shots program and social tennis through to club and competitive play, and the excitement of recent innovations like the One Point Slam.
“Tennis Australia is now globally renowned for its innovation, inclusiveness and event management, as showcased in an outstanding Summer of Tennis which culminated in another record-breaking Australian Open this year.”
Tennis Australia has appointed an international executive recruitment firm to find Tiley’s replacement.
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