Craig Tiley has begun work as chief executive of the United States Tennis Association, moving from a 21-year career at Tennis Australia to lead the U.S. governing body and the U.S. Open.
Tiley most recently served as Tennis Australia's chief executive and Australian Open tournament director. The USTA announced his appointment in February, and he started at the association's Orlando campus on July 20.
The leadership change comes as the USTA says U.S. tennis participation has grown for six consecutive years. Its long-range organizational goal is to reach 35 million players by 2035.
Tiley's portfolio combines community participation, player development, coaching, leagues and stewardship of the U.S. Open. Those responsibilities make the role broader than tournament operations alone.
The 2026 U.S. Open begins with Fan Week on Aug. 23 and main-draw play on Aug. 30, giving the new chief executive an immediate major-event test.
The association is also in the middle of a multiyear redevelopment at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Construction and event delivery will remain visible operating issues during his first seasons.
Tiley said his aim is to work across the tennis community to extend participation growth. USTA board chair Brian Vahaly highlighted his experience spanning college coaching, community tennis and Grand Slam administration.
The appointment announcement does not provide a new budget, participation projection or performance contract. Six years of reported growth does not by itself establish that the 35 million target will be reached.
The concrete measures of the transition will be participation counts, membership and coaching reach, player-development outcomes, U.S. Open delivery and whether the association publishes milestones toward its 2035 goal.