Craig Tiley has received a message of support from Rod Laver after he agreed to join the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Tiley has left Tennis Australia after 13 years, having served as its CEO and Australian Open tournament director.
He has now accepted a CEO position at the USTA, replacing Lew Sherr, who has joined Major League Baseball’s New York Mets.
Tiley, who will remain in his current role for the near future to help appoint a successor, has now received a heartfelt message from tennis legend Laver.
The Australian Open is the best Grand Slam… discuss!
Rod Laver congratulates Craig Tiley as he joins the US Open
Former world number one and 11-time Grand Slam champion Laver wrote on X: “Congratulations Craig Tiley, you’ve achieved so much in your 20 years Down Under at all levels of the sport.
“It’s amazing to see the changes each year I visit the AO. Thank you for your friendship and support. Good luck for the next chapter.”
Tiley will undoubtedly leave the organization with the best wishes of everyone in Australian tennis and many further afield.
The innovator helped oversee the expansion of the Australian Open to a 15-day event, with attendance figures continually soaring.
He also welcomed the One Point Slam, the hugely exciting exhibition event that allowed amateurs to compete with the biggest stars of the ATP and WTA tours.
What is the best Grand Slam in tennis right now?
Craig Tiley proud of his efforts at Tennis Australia
Of course, losing Tiley is certain to be a big blow for the Australian Open, which has rapidly become a hugely popular event.
At the same time, however, it is very welcome news for the US Open, which is now entering a very exciting stage in its existence.
But for the immediate future, Tiley is focused on ensuring a smooth transition following his time at Tennis Australia.
“Leading this team has been the privilege of my life,” said Tiley, as quoted by the Tennis Australia website.
“I am incredibly proud that Tennis Australia is now recognised globally as the player’s partner and the benchmark for the sport, events and entertainment.
“The sport in Australia is in excellent shape. Tennis is one of the nation’s most popular sports, and participation is growing strongly – up eight per cent last year.
“We have a great group of players performing at the highest level and a world-class team developing the next generation of talented players and coaches.
“But my greatest thrill has been working with the many talented people throughout our entire team and indeed the Australian tennis family. It is a tight-knit community with so much passion, talent and commitment to the sport we all love.”
South African Tiley, who is a former college coach in the US, will officially take up his new role later this year.
The US Open, which takes place in Queens, New York, returns to the calendar at the very end of August, finishing in mid-September.
The tournament is played on outdoor hard courts, and represents the last of the four Grand Slams in the schedule, following the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
