Hot shots: The contenders for Craig Tiley’s job at Tennis Australia
Sydney Morning Herald
by Marc McGowanFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Craig Tiley, the long-time CEO of Tennis Australia and boss of the Australian Open, has confirmed he will leave his role to take on a new position with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). After nearly two decades at the helm, Tiley revealed that family considerations and a desire for fresh challenges were key factors in his decision. His wife’s family resides in Chicago, and he wants their children to experience living near relatives. Tiley will remain in his current role until a successor is found, though there has been speculation about whether the positions of CEO and Australian Open boss might be split.
During his tenure, Tiley transformed the Australian Open into a global sporting and entertainment powerhouse, navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the event continue despite strict conditions. He highlighted the annual 15% growth rate in participation and attendance, with this year’s tournament drawing record-breaking numbers. Tiley also emphasized the importance of building a high-performing team to achieve these milestones.
The USTA has prioritized finding a leader who can accelerate participation growth and help achieve its goal of reaching 35 million players by 2035. Brian Vahaly, board chair and interim co-CEO of the USTA, praised Tiley’s global credibility and grassroots focus, making him an ideal fit to lead American tennis into its next chapter.
Tiley’s departure marks the end of a nearly two-decade-long association with Australian tennis, which began in 2005. He started as director of player development before rising through the ranks to become CEO in 2013 and ultimately tournament director for the Australian Open. His legacy includes turning the event into one of the largest and most successful Grand Slams globally.
The search for Tiley’s successor is expected to begin soon, with significant attention already focused on potential candidates. This transition comes at a pivotal time for Tennis Australia, as it looks to maintain its momentum and build on recent achievements while adapting to new leadership.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026