Craig Tiley to Lead U.S. Tennis Association, Stepping Down from Tennis Australia Role
New York – Craig Tiley, the architect of significant growth at Tennis Australia and the Australian Open, is set to take the helm of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, announced February 24, 2026, marks a return to the United States for the South African-born executive, who previously built a successful career in American collegiate tennis. Tiley will succeed Lew Sherr, who departed the USTA in 2022 to join the New York Mets as President of Business Operations as reported by ESPN.
The move signals a significant shift in leadership for both national tennis organizations. Tiley’s tenure at Tennis Australia, beginning in 2013 as CEO and extending to 2006 as Australian Open Tournament Director, was marked by expansion, record attendance, and increased revenue for the Grand Slam event. He oversaw the transformation of the Australian Open into a 15-day tournament, solidifying its position as a premier sporting spectacle. His leadership will now be focused on bolstering tennis participation and development within the United States, with a stated goal of reaching 35 million players by 2035.
From College Coaching to Global Tennis Leadership
Tiley’s path to the top of the tennis world began in the collegiate ranks. He served as head coach of the University of Illinois men’s tennis team from 1994 to 2005, achieving remarkable success. During his 12-year tenure, the Fighting Illini secured an NCAA Division I national championship in 2003, alongside two ITA National Team Indoor Championships in 2003 and 2004. He amassed an impressive overall record of 274-77 (.781) – the most wins in Illinois history – and led the team to an NCAA record 64 consecutive wins. According to his Wikipedia profile, Tiley’s coaching prowess earned him numerous accolades, including two Wilson/ITA Division I National Coach of the Year awards (1999, 2003) and eight Big Ten Coach of the Year honors.
Before Illinois, Tiley attended Stellenbosch University and Tyler Junior College, and the University of Texas at Tyler. His early career laid the foundation for a deep understanding of player development and the intricacies of competitive tennis. This experience, combined with his administrative roles at Tennis Australia, positions him uniquely to address the challenges and opportunities facing American tennis.
USTA’s Vision for Growth and Tiley’s Role
The USTA’s announcement highlighted Tiley’s proven track record in growing tennis participation as a key factor in his selection. Brian Vahaly, USTA Board Chair and interim Co-CEO, emphasized Tiley’s “rare combination of global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots.” As stated in the USTA’s official press release, this balance is seen as crucial for leveraging the US Open as a platform for inspiration and continued growth.
The USTA has experienced six consecutive years of participation growth, and Tiley is tasked with building upon this momentum. His focus will likely include expanding community tennis programs, enhancing player development pathways, and strengthening the US Open’s position as a global sporting event. The organization’s ambitious goal of reaching 35 million players by 2035 will require a comprehensive strategy, and Tiley’s experience in both grassroots development and large-scale event management will be invaluable.
A Smooth Transition at Tennis Australia
Tiley’s departure from Tennis Australia will be managed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. He will work closely with the Board of Directors to facilitate the handover of responsibilities. The timing of his move allows for a structured approach to finding and onboarding his successor, minimizing disruption to the ongoing operations of Tennis Australia and the planning for future Australian Open tournaments. The Australian Open, a cornerstone of the global tennis calendar, continues to attract top players and a large international audience, and maintaining its success will be a priority during the transition period.
Tiley’s Vision for American Tennis
In a statement released by the USTA, Tiley expressed his enthusiasm for returning to American tennis. “I’ve long admired the organisation’s leadership in growing the game across the United States and the extraordinary success of the US Open,” he said. “I’m excited to return to American tennis and to work alongside our leadership locally and nationally to continue building the sport’s reach, impact, and future.” This sentiment underscores his commitment to fostering a thriving tennis community in the United States, from recreational players to elite athletes.
The appointment of Craig Tiley represents a strategic move by the USTA to capitalize on the growing interest in tennis and to further develop the sport at all levels. His experience, leadership, and vision will be instrumental in shaping the future of American tennis and achieving the organization’s ambitious goals. The coming months will be crucial as Tiley transitions into his new role and begins to implement his strategies for growth and development.
Key Takeaways
- Craig Tiley has been appointed as the new CEO of the USTA, effective in the coming months.
- He is stepping down from his role as CEO of Tennis Australia, where he oversaw significant growth of the Australian Open.
- Tiley previously enjoyed a successful coaching career at the University of Illinois, winning an NCAA championship in 2003.
- The USTA aims to reach 35 million tennis players by 2035, and Tiley will be instrumental in achieving this goal.
Tiley’s formal assumption of responsibilities at the USTA is anticipated later in 2026, following the completion of the leadership transition at Tennis Australia. The USTA will provide further updates on the transition process and Tiley’s initial priorities in the coming weeks. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this exciting development in the world of tennis and to engage in a constructive dialogue about the future of the sport in the United States.