The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has made a significant move in leadership by appointing Craig Tiley as its new Chief Executive Officer. Tiley, a seasoned figure in the tennis world, has served as the tournament director of the Australian Open since 2006 and has been at the helm of Tennis Australia since 2013. His extensive background also includes a tenure as head coach of the men’s tennis team at the University of Illinois from 1995 to 2005, during which time the university clinched the NCAA Championship in 2003.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Tiley remarked, “I am truly honored to step into the role of CEO of the USTA later this year. I’ve long admired the organization’s leadership in growing the game across the U.S. and the extraordinary success of the U.S. Open. Tennis has shaped my life—personally and professionally—and having begun my journey in this sport in the U.S. as a NCAA championship coach, this opportunity feels like a full-circle moment. I’m excited to return to American tennis and work alongside our leadership locally and nationally to continue building the sport’s reach, impact, and future.”
Brian Vahaly, the chair of the USTA board, shared insights into the selection process, stating that the primary goal was to find a leader who could drive participation growth and help achieve the ambitious target of engaging 35 million players by 2035. Vahaly praised Tiley’s unique combination of international experience and commitment to grassroots development, emphasizing that such qualities are essential for U.S. tennis at this juncture. “We are excited to build on our current momentum of six consecutive years of participation growth,” he added, highlighting Tiley’s understanding of the wider tennis ecosystem as a vital asset for the organization.
Under Tiley’s leadership, tennis in Australia has seen remarkable advances. The Australian Open, one of Grand Slam tennis’s hallmark events, has flourished, exemplified by his innovative initiatives such as the “1-point Slam,” which took place before the main draw of the tournament.
As Tiley prepares to transition into his new role, the tennis community looks forward to the fresh perspectives and energy he is expected to bring to advance the sport in the United States. His background and dedication to tennis are poised to make a meaningful impact as the USTA aims to enhance its presence both locally and on a global scale.
