Craig Tiley Named USTA CEO After Leading Tennis Australia Since 2013

Craig Tiley is departing his role as Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open director to lead the U.S. Tennis Association later this year.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The United States Tennis Association confirmed Tuesday that Craig Tiley will assume the role of Craig Tiley USTA CEO later this year. Tiley, who has directed Tennis Australia as its chief executive since 2013, will relocate to Florida to oversee the governing body of American tennis. This appointment concludes his tenure as the Australian Open tournament director, a post he occupied starting in 2006. The official news release from the USTA board of directors specifies that his start date will occur within the next few months.

During his leadership in Melbourne, Tiley expanded the year’s inaugural Grand Slam into a 15-day competition. This strategic shift facilitated record-breaking attendance figures and unprecedented revenue growth for the organization. He replaces Lew Sherr, who served as the chief executive officer from 2022 until his departure last year. Sherr recently transitioned to the New York Mets to act as the president of business operations for the Major League Baseball franchise. In the interim, Brian Vahaly has functioned as the USTA Board chair and the association's temporary co-CEO.

Before entering the executive suites of professional tennis, the South African-born administrator built a formidable coaching resume at the University of Illinois. Between 1994 and 2005, he managed the men’s tennis program with historic precision. The pinnacle of his collegiate career arrived during the 2003 season when he led the Fighting Illini to an NCAA championship. That undefeated campaign concluded with a 32-0 match record, establishing a benchmark for excellence in the American collegiate system.

Brian Vahaly stated that Tiley maintains global credibility across every tier of the sport. The USTA Board chair highlighted that the incoming executive demonstrates a verified dedication to expanding grassroots participation. Vahaly characterized this specific combination of high-performance success and community development as the primary requirement for the organization’s next phase of evolution. The search for a permanent leader concluded with the selection of a candidate who has already managed a major international sporting event for nearly two decades.

As the departing head of Tennis Australia, Tiley oversaw the commercial transformation of the sport in the Asia-Pacific region. His move to the United States follows eighteen years of direct involvement with the Australian Open’s operational strategy. Since 2006, his responsibilities as tournament director included navigating complex logistics and long-term financial planning. His promotion to CEO of the national federation in 2013 allowed him to integrate player development pathways with professional tournament success.

The USTA, headquartered in Orlando, seeks to utilize Tiley’s experience to enhance the profile of the U.S. Open. By recruiting an administrator with a history of running a Grand Slam, the association intends to capitalize on his proficiency in international sports marketing. Tiley’s previous experience as a coach offers a distinct viewpoint on athlete progression that supplements his corporate management skills. This dual perspective is expected to influence how the association handles both elite performance and local club initiatives.

The arrival of the new chief executive coincides with a pivotal era for the entity that manages the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. With the previous CEO moving to professional baseball, the USTA prioritized a leader capable of achieving significant spectator milestones. Tiley’s track record of maximizing broadcast rights and sponsorship valuations at the Australian Open aligns with the USTA’s goals for its New York-based flagship event. His ability to negotiate with global stakeholders was a key factor in his selection.

This leadership transition from the Southern Hemisphere to North America represents a major realignment in the tennis world. Tiley’s deep familiarity with the American sports landscape stems from his eleven-year tenure in the Big Ten Conference. This background provides him with an existing understanding of the United States' unique talent pipeline and regional structures. The combination of his NCAA title and his executive achievements in Melbourne defines the credentials he brings to the Orlando office.

Under Tiley’s guidance, the Australian Open became the first Grand Slam to introduce a Sunday start, a move that increased ticket sales and television viewership. He also spearheaded the redevelopment of Melbourne Park, a multi-million dollar project that modernized the venue’s infrastructure. These infrastructure improvements allowed the tournament to host more night sessions and fan-focused events. The USTA expects similar innovative approaches to be applied to the American tennis calendar and its various national championships.

The organizational structure Tiley inherits includes a vast network of sectional associations across the United States. Managing these diverse regions requires a leader who can balance the needs of professional athletes with those of recreational players. Tiley’s history of implementing the 'Hot Shots' program in Australia serves as a blueprint for his potential impact on American youth tennis. His focus on digital engagement and fan experience will likely be central to his initial strategy in the new role.

Financial reports from Tennis Australia during Tiley's tenure show a consistent upward trajectory in net profit and reserve funds. This fiscal stability allowed for increased investment in coaching education and facility grants. The USTA aims to replicate this financial model to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport in the U.S. market. Tiley’s appointment is seen as a move toward a more commercially aggressive and operationally efficient era for the association.

As the U.S. Open continues to set its own attendance records, the integration of Tiley’s methods could further elevate the tournament’s status. His experience managing the 'Happy Slam' provides him with the tools to handle the high-pressure environment of New York City. The transition period will involve Tiley working closely with the current board to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities. His official start will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the world's largest tennis organization.