- Comes after transforming the Australian Grand Slam
Australian tennis is bracing for Craig Tiley’s potential exit amid speculation he could lead the United States Tennis Association.
The long-serving boss will reportedly be confirmed next week as USTA CEO, ending a two-decade run transforming the Australian Open.
Tiley has served as Tournament Director since 2006 and as CEO of Tennis Australia since 2013, overseeing record-breaking crowds, soaring prize money and major infrastructure upgrades.
Confirmation of his move came via The First Serve Live on SEN.
‘One thing we can tell you tonight is the confirmation of Craig [Tiley’s] announcement as the new CEO of the USTA will take place next week,’ Brett Phillips revealed.
‘Back in January, we were right in the cut and thrust of the bubble of the Australian Open… there was a lot of speculation.
Reports suggest Tiley may step down as Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open Tournament Director
The long-serving administrator is being linked to a possible leadership role in American tennis
Under his watch, the Australian Open became one of sport’s biggest commercial events
‘Everyone felt that this was a done deal, but we haven’t yet had official word, but we are going to have official word pretty shortly.’
Tennis Australia has been contacted for comment.
Tiley had publicly played down rumours during this year’s tournament, which again drew massive crowds to Melbourne Park.
Under his leadership, the Australian Open evolved into a hybrid sports and entertainment festival.
‘It’s about entertainment, music and food, and then tennis,’ Tiley previously said of his vision for the event.
That approach divided traditionalists but delivered unprecedented commercial success.
Earlier this year he also unveiled bold redevelopment plans, declaring: ‘Our objective is the quality of the experience of our fans.’
Now he will attempt to bring that same growth model to the US Open and American tennis.
His exit leaves a significant leadership vacuum in Australia, with strong expectations the CEO and Tournament Director roles will be split.
There is speculation the job will now be split between the CEO and Tournament Director instead of one person having both.
Names already being floated as potential successors include Tom Larner and Peter Johnston.