Key Takeaways:
- Craig Tiley, former Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open Director, takes the USTA's top job.
- He aims to accelerate the USTA's ambitious goal of reaching 35 million players by 2035.
- Tiley brings a proven track record of innovation and massive participation growth from his 13 years leading Australian tennis.
- His deep roots in American collegiate tennis make this a 'full-circle' return.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has made a monumental move, officially naming Craig Tiley as its new Chief Executive Officer. Tiley, renowned for his transformative 13-year tenure leading Tennis Australia and orchestrating the unparalleled success of the Australian Open, is now tasked with spearheading the next era of growth for tennis in America. This appointment underscores the USTA's commitment to its purpose-driven mission: "Growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere."
Tiley expressed his profound honor, stating, "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." His excitement to return to American tennis and expand the sport's reach is palpable.
Tiley's Blueprint for American Tennis Growth
Tiley joins the USTA at a pivotal moment. The sport in the U.S. is experiencing unprecedented momentum, with participation soaring to a new high of 27.3 million players in 2025 – marking the sixth consecutive year of growth. Since 2019, American tennis has seen a remarkable 54% surge, adding nearly 10 million players. This incredible expansion is largely fueled by increased play opportunities and growing engagement from women and communities of color.
The challenge for Tiley is to build on this foundation and propel the USTA toward its ambitious target of 35 million players by 2035. Brian Vahaly, USTA Board Chair and interim Co-CEO, emphasized the meticulous search for a leader who combines "global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots." Vahaly is confident that Tiley's vision will leverage the immense power of the US Open as a platform for further inspiration and widespread growth.
A Legacy of Transformative Leadership
Craig Tiley's career is a testament to his innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to tennis. His 13 years as CEO of Tennis Australia saw the sport flourish, becoming the nation's second most popular, trailing only soccer. Under his stewardship, Australian tennis reported 8.3% growth in 2025 alone, surpassing all other sports. The numbers speak for themselves: online court bookings tripled, overall participation jumped 30% over five years, and both coach membership (44%) and female coaches (60%) saw significant increases.
Beyond the statistics, Tiley transformed the Australian Open into a global benchmark for player-first initiatives and innovation. It consistently broke attendance and revenue records, solidifying its reputation as one of the world's most dynamic sporting events. Tennis Australia Chair Chris Harrop lauded Tiley's impact, noting, "The fact that Craig has been selected for one of the biggest roles in global sport is a testament to the strength of our organization."
From Collegiate Courts to Global Stages
Tiley's journey in tennis began right here in the U.S. A native of South Africa, he honed his leadership skills as the Head Coach of the University of Illinois men’s tennis team from 1994 to 2005. His tenure was legendary, culminating in an undefeated 32–0 season and an NCAA Division I National Championship in 2003. He was recognized twice as the Wilson/ITA Division I National Coach of the Year and earned a spot in the ITA Men's Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame.
This deep understanding of American tennis, from the grassroots of collegiate play to the pinnacle of grand slam organization, positions Tiley uniquely to tackle the USTA's formidable goals.
The Road Ahead: Elevating American Tennis
As Tiley prepares for his new role, his immediate focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for Tennis Australia. He expressed immense pride in leaving Australian tennis in excellent shape, a testament to the strong team and passionate community. However, his enthusiasm for the USTA's future is clear.
He inherits an organization with strong momentum and a clear vision, but also one that demands continued innovation and strategic leadership to achieve its ambitious targets. The appointment of Craig Tiley signals a clear intent from the USTA to not just sustain, but significantly accelerate the growth of tennis across the nation. With a proven architect of success at the helm, the future of American tennis looks brighter than ever.
