'Big shoes to fill': Candidate to replace Craig Tiley at TA discusses keys for change

(Getty/William West)

Kooyong Classic Tournament Director and former Australian player Peter Johnston believes there are "essential" steps that Tennis Australia need to take after Craig Tiley's departure.

The next few months will prove crucial for Tennis Australia, as Tiley, who acted as the governing body's CEO and Australian Open Tournament Director simultaneously, confirmed his move to become the new United States Tennis Association (USTA) CEO.

Listen to The First Serve Live every Monday at 8pm AEDT in its 18th year on the SEN Network/App, Australia's only dedicated weekly tennis program on commercial radio running through till the end of November.

Johnston, 65, is one of many candidates in contention to take the Tournament Director role, having previously held the same position for Hong Kong's WTA 250 event in 2024 and 2025, which was named Tournament of the Year in both editions.

"I think it is exactly a reset, but it's a moment in time. Full credit to what Craig has achieved... but at the same time, they're big shoes to fill," Johnston told The First Serve Live.

"I think first of all, the number one thing I think is essential is not a CEO and Tournament Director in one role that the board should be looking for, because the CEO is a big job in itself, and the Tournament Director role is a big job in itself, especially when you're looking broadly at the whole make-up of the circuit, and there's so many aspects to it.

"You've seen the commentary in the past couple of weeks about people wanting more from player development; more people want voices out there. How are we going generally? And then there's the participation side.

"I think it's been really encouraging to see the Australian tennis community begin to speak out, but I think these areas all need massive attention themselves.

"First step is to make sure there's a CEO, but a specific concentration on the AO TD role, of course, I'm interested if it's there. Then participation, player development; these are all massive portfolios, and it's what I'd like to see emerge over the next couple of weeks.

"I love the debate. I think it's refreshing, and lots of people are coming out and saying stuff."

Last week, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash and former doubles No.1 Paul McNamee were two big names in Australian tennis calling for drastic change at the top.

Cash wrote a lengthy statement on Instagram, explaining that "Tennis Australia needs to hit the factory reset button" and referred to the junior development's current pipeline as "thin".

A few days prior, Cash spoke to reporters at a tournament in Launceston, voicing his concern about "an old boys' club" environment within Tennis Australia.

Meanwhile, McNamee told The Age that "we've created a monster" regarding the financial revenue and Melbourne Park's booming success, but questioned where the talent is coming from.

"The key, as a governing body, is to grease the wheels of the tennis industry, and it doesn't have to run the whole tennis industry," Johnston said.

"I mean, look at The First Serve, it's an independent media outlet. You look at the Kooyong Classic, it's an independent event. Coaches are independent. But we're all playing a role in the overall landscape of tennis.

"The key for a federation is to embrace and be listened to, and make sure the whole industry prospers, not just the governing body itself. That's the challenge and the opportunity coming up next."

When asked if Tennis Australia would cast the net wide, Johnston was bullish at the possibility, stating that he "certainly hopes so".

Johnston has made himself available if Tennis Australia come knocking.

Game4padel is where Melbourne plays Padel. Check them out at game4padel.com.au for club locations, corporate event opportunities and special offers.