Craig Tiley to Depart Tennis Australia

Tennis Australia (TA) has confirmed that long-standing chief executive, Craig Tiley, has resigned to accept the role of CEO at the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The appointment, announced today following months of industry speculation, marks the end of a transformative 21-year era for Australian tennis.

Tiley, who has held the dual roles of Tennis Australia ehief executive and Australian Open tournament director since 2013, will remain in Melbourne through the coming months to oversee a transition period.

He is expected to formally assume leadership of the USTA, the world’s largest national tennis governing body, by mid-2026, ahead of the US Open in New York.

Commenting on his decision, Tiley, said: “Leading this team has been the privilege of my life.”

“I am incredibly proud that Tennis Australia is now recognised globally as the player’s partner and the benchmark for the sport, events, and entertainment,” he expressed.

A Legacy of Unprecedented Growth

Since joining the organisation in 2005 as director of player development, Tiley has been the primary architect of the Australian Open’s evolution into a “Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific.” Under his watch, the tournament became a record-breaking commercial powerhouse, with the 2026 event recently concluding with a record 1.36 million fans through the gates at Melbourne Park.

Key Achievements under Tiley’s Tenure:

• Infrastructure Transformation: Oversaw the multi-billion dollar redevelopment of the Melbourne Park precinct.
• Participation Surge: Drove an 8% increase in national participation last year alone, bolstered by the “Hot Shots” junior program.
• Global Innovation: Launched the “One Point Slam” and significantly expanded the AO’s digital and broadcast footprint into untapped Asian markets.

Strategic Search for Successor Commences

Tennis Australia chair, Chris Harrop, confirmed that the board has engaged international executive search firm Egon Zehnder to find Tiley’s replacement. A critical point of discussion for the board will be whether to maintain the “all-powerful” structure of a joint CEO and tournament director or split the roles into two distinct positions.

Commenting on the announcement, Harrop, shared: “The fact that Craig has been selected for one of the biggest roles in global sport is a testament to the strength of our organisation.”

“We have commenced an internal and external search for a new CEO and look forward to an orderly transition,” Harrop added.

Early frontrunners to fill the void include Stephen Farrow (TA chief events officer), Peter Johnston, and former AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, who has been frequently linked to major sporting vacancies.

Commercial Implications for 2026 and Beyond

Tiley has committed to outlining a five-year strategy for the Tennis Australia board before his final departure to ensure the “Summer of Tennis” remains a premier asset on the global calendar.

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