Tennis-Rugby league boss to replace Tiley as Tennis Australia chief

Tennis Australia has appointed National Rugby ​League (NRL) boss Andrew Abdo as ​its new chief executive, replacing ‌the long-serving ​Craig Tiley. The governing body that organises the Australian Open, one of the sport's four Grand Slam tournaments, ‌had been searching for a replacement for Tiley since the South African confirmed in February he would step down to become the United States Tennis Association's new CEO.

A ‌South Africa-born administrator like Tiley, Abdo's appointment follows a six-year stint as ‌CEO of the NRL, one of Australia's major winter sport competitions. The NRL said that Abdo would remain in his position until July 15 to ensure a smooth transition and complete broadcast negotiations ⁠for ​the league.

"Tennis Australia has ⁠a unique role in Australian sport. The Australian Open is already one of the leading sporting ⁠events in the world," Abdo said in a Tennis Australia statement on Monday. "The opportunity ​is to keep evolving it – as a global event, as a fan experience ⁠and as a platform that brings more people into the sport."

Tiley, who led TA for 13 ⁠years ​and the Australian Open for 20, transformed the Australian Open into one of the world's most successful sporting events, continually breaking attendance and revenue records. He ⁠said in Monday's statement that he would remain with the governing body for a ⁠period to ⁠ensure a smooth transition.

"Andrew Abdo is an outstanding appointment and I am confident he will continue to build on this strong ‌foundation," Tiley ‌said.

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