Official: Craig Tiley confirmed as New USTA chief executive office

Ending months of intense media speculation, Tennis Australia and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) have formally confirmed that Craig Tiley will relocate to New York to serve as the USTA’s next CEO.

The move, which had been widely reported as an “open secret” in tennis circles for weeks, marks the conclusion of a two-decade era that transformed the Australian Open into a global commercial powerhouse.

A Confirmation of the Long-Reported Move to New York

While the formal announcement was released on February 25, 2026, the news serves primarily as a confirmation of reports that have circulated throughout the international sports media since the conclusion of the last Australian Open.

Tiley will remain in Melbourne for the coming months to support the Tennis Australia board and international recruitment firm Egon Zehnder in the search for a successor. “While I look forward to the challenge at the USTA, my immediate and total focus is clear: delivering a smooth transition and ensuring I leave the sport, the business and the team in the best possible shape,” Tiley stated in the official release.

Craig Tiley was born in Durban, South Africa, and attended high school in Johannesburg before earning an economics degree from Stellenbosch University in 1983. Following his studies, he completed compulsory military service as a lieutenant in the South African Army, where he received the 6th ever Army’s Meritorious Award. Tiley’s early professional leadership included serving as the captain of the South African Davis Cup team from 1998 to 2001.

“The privilege of my life”

Since joining Tennis Australia as Director of player development in 2005 and becoming tournament director in 2006, Tiley has presided over a period of unprecedented growth. Under his leadership as CEO since 2013, the Australian Open transitioned from a distant fourth Grand Slam into what is now widely regarded as the “player’s partner” and a global benchmark for event management.

The numbers reflect this success: participation in Australia grew by eight percent last year alone, and the tournament continues to break attendance and revenue records. Tennis Australia Chair Chris Harrop noted, “Under Craig’s leadership, participation and engagement with our sport has gone from strength to strength. Tennis is very much front of mind for many Australians.”

“Leading this team has been the privilege of my life, Tiley said. 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,” Tiley remarked.

A Full-Circle Return to the United States Tennis Association

For Tiley, the USTA role represents a full-circle moment in a career that gained momentum in the American collegiate system. As the former head coach of the University of Illinois, he led the team to a perfect 32-0 record and an NCAA championship in 2003.

Brian Vahaly, USTA Board Chair, emphasized that Tiley is the right leader to achieve the goal of reaching 35 million players by 2035, stating, “Craig brings a rare combination of global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots. »

Reflecting on the move, Tiley added, “Tennis has shaped my life – personally and professionally – and having begun my tennis journey in the U.S. as an NCAA championship coach, this opportunity feels like a full-circle moment.”

Tennis Australia has now officially commenced an international search for a new CEO. The appointment of Egon Zehnder signals that the board is looking for a leader capable of maintaining the innovative trajectory established by Tiley, including recent additions like the One Point Slam and the Hot Shots program. Harrop concluded, “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.”