Craig Tiley explains his decision to move from the Australian Open to the US Open

Back in February, Craig Tiley made it official that he would be stepping down from his role as CEO of Tennis Australia.

This decision will bring an end to his 13 years leading the organisation.

The South African is set to take up his new post at the USTA later this year, but before he does, he’s working to ensure a smooth transition for Tennis Australia.

Nearly two months after the announcement, Tiley has now opened up about why he decided to make the move from Australian tennis to American tennis.

Craig Tiley sees a ‘massive opportunity’ in US tennis

“It started way back when Brian [Vahaly] was a junior player, I was at the University of Illinois,” Tiley said while speaking to Andy Roddick on the Served Podcast.

“I was trying to get the best junior players to come to Illinois, and it didn’t really happen because we weren’t very good, and he kind of blew me up during the recruitment process, so I promised one day I’d get him back, and here we are!

“Why, there’s a couple things. One, I just see a massive opportunity in US tennis right now.

“There’s a long-term vision, there hasn’t been that, ever, I think we’re in a great position, the game is growing.

“I saw tremendous upside; there’s a way that the US can lead the world in participation – getting people to play the game – getting people to perform well in the game.

“I’ve been very lucky; the years I had at Tennis Australia – I think I had every possible job under the sun – and it has been magnificent. It just came that time where everything aligned and I went for it.”

In an official statement published by USTA following his appointment as CEO last year, Tiley issued his response:

Tiley takes over from Lew Sherr who left his post as USTA chief for Major League Baseball’s New York Mets where he serves as president of business operations.

Tiley Praises USTA’s Direction

Tiley spoke highly of the USTA’s leadership and their ability to bring people together in a statement released on their website earlier this year.

“I am truly honoured to step into the role of CEO of the USTA later this year,” he said. “I’ve long admired the organisation’s leadership in growing the game across the United States and the extraordinary success of the US Open.

“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.

“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.”

He added: “Tennis is one of the few truly global sports that you can play for a lifetime, at any level, and that’s part of its magic. It has an incredible ability to bring people together – players, fans, communities – across countries and cultures. I firmly believe the opportunity ahead for our sport is enormous.”

“We’re moving from engaging millions who attend events live to connecting with billions of fans around the world digitally, year-round.

“If we continue to innovate and tell the story of our sport in a compelling way, tennis will only grow stronger, more connected, and more impactful in years ahead.”

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