Craig Tiley has officially left his role at Tennis Australia, thus bringing an end to his lengthy spell as Australian Open tournament director.
But it hasn’t stopped experienced tennis executive Tiley from sharing his wishes for the hard-court Grand Slam moving forward.
His ideal Australian Open has now emerged, with the former South African Davis Cup captain and US collegiate tennis coach eager for the event to become even bigger and better.
What is the best Grand Slam in tennis right now?
Craig Tiley suggests Australian Open changes
Speaking on The Sit-Down podcast, he said: “If I had my choice for the Australian Open, I would be starting with a blockbuster night on Saturday night, maybe the former champions opening up.
“Then I’d be going into a full day on Sunday and then giving the players enough rest because it’s three out of five sets.
“I’d have the women playing three out of five sets from the quarters onwards.
“Every day would be a festival, a minimum of 100,000 people a day for 21 straight days.
“All the other channels we have, like in music and food, really elevate those and lift those up.
“It rivals with the four weeks of Olympics once every four years pretty easily, so there’s plenty of opportunity.”
Whether or not the Australian Open adopts such changes remains to be seen, with the proposals perhaps more likely at the US Open given Tiley’s career change.
Should there be a fifth Grand Slam?
If so, which tournament would it be?
Craig Tiley begins role as USTA CEO after Tennis Australia exit
After more than 20 years at Tennis Australia, Tiley is making a dramatic switch to another major tennis region.
He is now beginning a role as Chief Executive Officer of the United States Tennis Association, which owns and operates the US Open.
It is another major position for Tiley, who was Tennis Australia’s Chief Executive Officer before his recent departure.
READ MORE: Why Wimbledon should be watching closely as Australian Open makes ticketing announcement for 2027
He previously served as Director of Player Development, and then also assumed the role of Australian Open Tournament Director.
During his tenure, the Australian Open introduced the 1 Point Slam, where professionals, amateurs and celebrity wildcards battled it out for A$1 million.
It took place during opening week, similar to the US Open mixed doubles event that is played out during Fan Week.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
