Back
Sports

Australian Open Chief Craig Tiley Appointed CEO of USTA

Generated on: Last updated: 1 sources
View source

Craig Tiley Appointed USTA CEO

Craig Tiley, the current chief of the Australian Open and Tennis Australia, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The announcement was made on Wednesday (AEDT) by the USTA, which aims to accelerate participation growth and achieve a target of 35 million players by 2035.

The USTA aims to accelerate participation growth and achieve a target of 35 million players by 2035 under Craig Tiley's leadership.

Brian Vahaly, USTA board chair and interim co-CEO, stated that Tiley's experience at the highest level of the sport and his commitment to grassroots development were key factors in his selection. Tiley will leverage the US Open as a platform for growth in American tennis.

Transition and Succession at Tennis Australia

Tiley will remain in his role with Tennis Australia for the next few months to assist in the search for his successor. His departure concludes over two decades of association with Australian tennis, which began in 2005 as Tennis Australia's director of player development. He became the Australian Open's tournament director in 2006 and Tennis Australia's CEO in 2013.

The Australian Open has experienced significant growth under Tiley's leadership. Its most recent edition attracted a record 1,368,043 fans across three weeks. Tiley expressed confidence in Tennis Australia's future, noting that the organization has a strategy outlined until 2030.

Tiley expressed confidence in Tennis Australia's future, noting that the organization has a strategy outlined until 2030.

Potential Successors and Future Priorities

Several individuals are considered candidates to replace Tiley as Australian Open tournament director or Tennis Australia CEO, if the dual role is split. These include:

  • Stephen Farrow (chief events officer at Tennis Australia)
  • Peter Johnston (oversees ATP and WTA events)
  • Cameron Pearson (Brisbane International)
  • Tom Larner (chief tennis officer at Tennis Australia, considered a favorite for CEO)
  • Craig Morris (current CEO of coaching at USTA)

Key priorities for the next Australian Open boss, as identified by Tiley, include: increasing seating capacity, enhancing shade, expanding venue space, and adding more display screens. Discussions are reportedly underway with the Victorian government and Collingwood Football Club regarding potential expansion of the Open into Olympic Park.