Tennis Australia has appointed Andrew Abdo, the long-serving chief executive of Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL), as its new CEO, marking a major leadership change for the governing body of the Australian Open.
Abdo will officially take over following a transition period, remaining in his current NRL role until July 15 to ensure continuity during ongoing broadcast negotiations and operational handover.
He replaces Craig Tiley, who announced earlier this year that he would step down after 13 years in charge of Tennis Australia to take up a new role as CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the organiser of the US Open.
Global search leads to cross-sport appointment
Tennis Australia confirmed that Abdo was selected after an international recruitment process involving more than 150 candidates, led by executive search firm Egon Zehnder. His experience leading a major national sporting league was cited as a key factor in his appointment.
Abdo has been CEO of the NRL since 2020, having previously served as chief commercial officer from 2013. During his tenure, he guided the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw significant commercial expansion and structural growth.
“One of the world’s leading sporting events”
Speaking on his appointment, Abdo said the Australian Open is already one of the world’s premier sporting events, adding that his goal is to further grow its global profile, fan experience, and participation levels.
He highlighted ambitions to expand tennis participation in Australia, strengthen development pathways, and ensure more young players are introduced to the sport.
Smooth transition planned with broadcast talks ongoing
The NRL confirmed that Abdo will remain in post until mid-July to support a smooth transition, particularly as key broadcast negotiations are ongoing with ARLC leadership.
NRL chairman Peter V’landys will temporarily take on an executive role during the transition period.
Craig Tiley’s legacy at Tennis Australia
Outgoing CEO Craig Tiley leaves after more than two decades at Tennis Australia, including 13 years as chief executive and Australian Open tournament director.
Under his leadership, the Australian Open grew into a global commercial success, with the 2026 edition attracting a record 1.35 million fans at Melbourne Park. He also oversaw major infrastructure redevelopment, expanded the tournament to a 15-day format, and significantly increased its global broadcast and digital reach.
Tiley will remain at Tennis Australia in the coming months to support the transition before moving to the USTA ahead of the US Open.
Tennis Australia says he will also present a five-year strategic plan to ensure continued growth and global positioning of the Australian Open as one of tennis’s flagship events.