Craig Tiley to Become New CEO of US Tennis Association

Longtime Tennis Australia head leaves to take over top role at USTA

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Craig Tiley, who has served as the head of Tennis Australia and tournament director of the Australian Open for the past 13 years, will be leaving his post to become the new CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the organization that runs the US Open. Tiley, who is from South Africa, previously served as the head coach of the men's tennis team at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2005, leading them to an NCAA championship in 2003.

Why it matters

Tiley's appointment represents a significant shift in leadership for the USTA, as he brings extensive experience running a major Grand Slam tournament and leading a national tennis organization. His expertise in growing the sport at both the grassroots and elite levels is seen as crucial for the USTA as it looks to expand tennis participation and viewership in the United States.

The details

Tiley will be replacing Lew Sherr, who left the USTA last year to join the New York Mets as their president of business operations. During his tenure as the Australian Open tournament director, Tiley oversaw the expansion of the event to a 15-day tournament, breaking attendance and revenue records. He has served as the CEO of Tennis Australia since 2013.

  • Tiley will start his new role with the USTA in the coming months.
  • Tiley has served as the head of Tennis Australia and Australian Open tournament director since 2006.

The players

Craig Tiley

A South African national who has served as the head of Tennis Australia and tournament director of the Australian Open for the past 13 years. He previously was the head coach of the men's tennis team at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2005.

Lew Sherr

The former CEO of the USTA, who left the organization last year to join the New York Mets as their president of business operations.

Brian Vahaly

The USTA Board chair and the USTA's interim co-CEO.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Craig brings a rare combination of global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots. That balance is exactly what this moment requires.”

— Brian Vahaly, USTA Board chair and interim co-CEO (wbal.com)

What’s next

Tiley will start his new role with the USTA in the coming months, taking over for former CEO Lew Sherr.

The takeaway

Tiley's appointment as the new USTA CEO represents a significant shift in leadership for the organization, as he brings extensive experience running a major Grand Slam tournament and leading a national tennis association. His expertise in growing the sport at both the elite and grassroots levels is seen as crucial for the USTA as it looks to expand tennis participation and viewership in the United States.