'We want to grow the sport': Craig Tiley officially begins USTA CEO role

Craig Tiley speaking at Melbourne Park. (Getty/Daniel Pockett)

Ex-Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley has commenced his first day in office as the new United States Tennis Association (USTA) CEO, five months after being appointed.

The 65-year-old decided to leave Tennis Australia after 21 years, serving as both the CEO and Australian Open tournament director since 2013.

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Reports that Tiley had received an offer from the USTA at the end of last year proved correct, as the South African announced his departure on February 4.

Since that time, he has helped Tennis Australia with the transition process to find his successor, which proved to be ex-NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.

Now, Tiley begins a new chapter to help grow American tennis and the US Open.

"The USTA has created a great platform to inspire further growth in tennis participation," Tiley said on his first day on the job. "We want to work with everyone within the tennis family to grow the sport beyond what anyone thought possible."

USTA Board Chair and interim Co-CEO Brian Vahaly, who was involved in the decision to welcome Tiley, expressed his excitement.

"Craig has spent his career at the forefront of our sport and brings a unique global perspective to the USTA," said Vahaly. "We are fortunate to have him guide the organisation into its next chapter as we build on six consecutive years of participation growth and continue our mission to grow tennis in America. I am confident his leadership will take both American tennis and the US Open to new heights."

Although questions were raised in Australia about Tiley's oversight in developing junior talent, his influence in breaking Australian Open attendance records and transforming the event each year is one of the reasons the USTA poached him.

"I want to thank Brian and the USTA Board for their support. I am excited by the incredible opportunities in front of us and the tremendous team we have to go get them," Tiley said.

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