Eric Butorac has been appointed as the new Tournament Director for the US Open, a decision announced by the USTA earlier this week in New York. Butorac, a former professional player and respected figure within the tennis community, succeeds Stacey Allaster, who has held the position since 2020 and made history as the first woman to do so.
Butorac, who achieved a career-high doubles ranking of 22 and has 18 ATP doubles titles to his name, expressed his excitement about stepping into this significant role. “I am beyond excited and grateful to serve as the US Open Tournament Director. This is in many ways a dream come true and the culmination of my life and career in tennis,” he stated in an official remark.
With a solid foundation in the sport, Butorac has extensive experience that includes his presidency of the ATP Player Council. He was particularly noted for his instrumental role in enhancing the player experience during recent tournaments, including the improvement of US Open Fan Week and the reimagined Mixed Doubles Championship that saw record engagement this year.
Stacey Allaster, who will transition to the role of USTA Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, until May 2026, praised Butorac’s qualities as a leader. “Eric brings humility, heart, and a mindset balanced on the needs of our players and fans. This makes him uniquely qualified to lead the US Open into its next chapter of growth,” she noted.
Butorac’s journey from a competitive athlete to a key figure in tournament management highlights his deep commitment to the sport. Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, he made a mark in collegiate tennis at Gustavus Adolphus College, clinching both NCAA Division III singles and doubles titles in 2003. His contributions to tennis have also been recognized through inductions into the Gustavus Adolphus Athletics Hall of Fame and the ITA Hall of Fame.
Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board and Interim Co-CEO of the USTA, echoed the enthusiasm surrounding Butorac’s new appointment. He emphasized Butorac’s dedication and the positive impact he has had on both the tournament experience for spectators and the players alike.
As the US Open looks toward an ambitious future, the selection of Eric Butorac as Tournament Director signals a commitment to both innovation and tradition at one of tennis’s most prestigious events.
