Good morning, Court Theorists! ☕️
Today’s tennis mood: Surprised + full of applause.
Let’s tennis!
-Allen
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🎾 Back to the U.S.: That’s Craig Tiley, the man who has made the Australian Open the envy of almost every tournament on earth. Tiley has accepted the role of CEO at the USTA, which was left vacant after Lew Sherr departed for the Mets in June. For months, murmurs circulated in tennis circles that it was a done deal to bring the South African to the USTA, but a deal had not materialized.
What he said: “I’ve long admired the organization’s leadership in growing the game across the United States and the extraordinary success of the U.S. Open,” said Tiley. “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.”
Intriguing: It’s at least a little bit surprising that Tiley took the role. Part of what made him so successful in Australia was having total control of both Tennis Australia and the Australian Open. In the U.S., he’ll only helm the USTA after Eric Butorac was made tournament director of the U.S. Open after his reimagining of the mixed doubles was deemed a success. The USTA, which has historically been viewed by employees as a fractured organization, will be a challenge for Tiley, particularly without control over its signature event.
🎾 On camera: Andy Roddick isn’t the only big name to sign a broadcasting deal this week. Fan favorite Chris Eubanks has signed a three-year deal with Tennis Channel that will kick off next week at Indian Wells. Per ESPN, he will also continue to work the three majors the network covers: the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open.
What he said: “I’ve always loved talking tennis almost as much as playing it,” Eubanks said. “Tennis Channel has always been such an important part of how fans experience our sport, so to now join the team in this capacity is incredibly special. Having the opportunity to share what’s happening inside the lines — the strategy, the emotions, the momentum shifts—is something I’m really excited about. Tennis has given me so much, and I am looking forward to staying connected to the game in this way.”
Noteworthy: This three-year deal seems to close the door that Eubanks left open when he said he was giving himself a year to decide whether or not he would return to the tour.
🎾 Pegula out: Jessica Pegula pulled out of the ATX Open on Tuesday, citing a knee injury. She made the announcement on her 32nd birthday and on the heels of taking the 1000 title in Dubai.
What she said: “I am disappointed to not be able to defend my title in Austin,” Pegula said. “I love this event and have such great memories from last year. Hopefully I can come back in the future.”
Noteworthy: Because, as we learned last year at this very tournament, 250 events can only have one top 10 player. The ATX Open is now significantly weaker, with the top seed being Iva Jovic at number 20 in the world.
