Boris Becker has given his verdict on Craig Tiley’s decision to leave the Australian Open for the USTA.
Tiley has been the tournament director of the Australian Open since 2006, before also becoming the CEO of Tennis Australia in 2013.
However, there had been rumors that Tiley’s tenure was coming to an end at the Australian Open this year, which he had not denied when asked about it at the time.
As Tiley’s departure has now been confirmed, Becker has reacted to the news that he has become the CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Boris Becker posts on social media after Craig Tiley leaves the Australian Open
There has been a big reaction to the news confirmed by Tennis Australia, with 11-time Grand Slam champion Rod Laver congratulating Tiley on his new career move.
Becker has joined this reaction on social media, praising the USTA for their decision to hire Tiley, who he claims is ‘one of the most professional brains in tennis’.
The six-time major winner wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “One of the most professional brains in tennis today!
“Craig revolutionised the @AustralianOpen and will do the same with the @usopen! Well done @usta!!!”
The Australian Open will now search for a new tournament director, with Tiley’s 20-year stint officially coming to an end.
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Craig Tiley releases statement after leaving Tennis Australia
Following the announcement of his new role at the USTA, Tiley has released a statement on the usta.com website, where he spoke about the full-circle moment he has taken in his career ahead of his return to the States.
“I am truly honored to step into the role of CEO of the USTA later this year,” read the statement by the South African. “I’ve long admired the organization’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.”
Which WTA player would benefit the most from playing best-of-five sets?
Tiley has made some big changes during his time at Tennis Australia, and will be expected to have a similar impact at the USTA.
One of those could relate to changing women’s tennis at Grand Slams, with Tiley proposing women playing best-of-five sets at the Australian Open earlier this year.
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