Australian Open's Craig Tiley to Head US Tennis Association

Tiley exits Tennis Australia after transformative tenure, takes USTA role

Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley to leave Tennis Australia, takes helm at US Tennis Association to drive growth. Craig Tiley appointed USTA chief, aims for 35m players by 2035.

Craig Tiley leaves tennis Australia for USTA role...

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley is leaving his post to head the US Tennis Association (USTA), marking the end of a “transformative” era for Tennis Australia. Tiley, who has been Tennis Australia CEO since 2013 and Australian Open tournament director since 2006, will stay on for a few months to ensure a smooth transition.

Tiley's departure comes after a successful stint, with the Australian Open breaking attendance and revenue records under his leadership. He's credited with innovating the event and prioritizing player-first initiatives. Now, he'll focus on growing tennis in the US, aiming to reach 35 million players by 2035.

Craig Tiley, the South African-born CEO of Tennis Australia, has been appointed as the new CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Tiley, who has been instrumental in transforming tennis in Australia, will take on his new role in the coming months. His tenure at Tennis Australia has been marked by significant growth, with tennis becoming the country's second most popular sport.

Tennis Australia director Chris Harrop praised Tiley's leadership, saying his tenure had been "transformative". During his time as CEO, Tiley oversaw the Australian Open's expansion and innovation, making it one of the world's most successful sporting events. He also prioritized player-first initiatives and grassroots development, growing tennis participation in Australia by 30% over the past five years.

“Leading this team has been the privilege of my life,” Tiley said in a statement.

“While I look forward to the challenge at the USTA, my immediate and total focus is clear: delivering a smooth transition and ensuring I leave the sport, the business and the team in the best possible shape.”

Tennis Australia has begun searching for a new CEO, both internally and externally, and is looking forward to a smooth transition. The organization's chair, Chris Harrop, mentioned that they're working with international executive search firm Egon Zehnder to find Craig Tiley's replacement.

LISTEN | Outgoing @TennisAustralia CEO Craig Tileyhttps://t.co/Qw0Wv6eXdh pic.twitter.com/mdFWSg0mNN

— Whateley (@WhateleySEN) February 25, 2026

USTA chair Brian Vahaly emphasized that their top priority is finding a leader who can accelerate participation growth, aiming to reach 35 million players by 2035. They believe Craig Tiley, with his global credibility and grassroots growth experience, is the right fit.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“That balance is exactly what this moment requires.”