'Been the privilege of my life': Craig Tiley quits Tennis Australia after 21 years to take up top US job

Tennis Australia chief executive and Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has resigned to join the US Tennis Association.

The news comes a month after the Australian Open, where rumours of Tiley's imminent departure were rampant.

It will end a two-decade relationship with Australian tennis that began in 2005. He will fill the same role for the USTA that he leaves behind with Tennis Australia.

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"Leading this team has been the privilege of my life. I am incredibly proud that Tennis Australia is now recognised globally as the player's partner and the benchmark for the sport, events and entertainment," Tiley said in a statement.

"The sport in Australia is in excellent shape. Tennis is one of the nation's most popular sports, and participation is growing strongly – up eight per cent last year.

"We have a great group of players performing at the highest level and a world-class team developing the next generation of talented players and coaches.

"But my greatest thrill has been working with the many talented people throughout our entire team and indeed the Australian tennis family. It is a tight-knit community with so much passion, talent and commitment to the sport we all love."

He will remain in the role over the coming months while a replacement is hired.

"While I look forward to the challenge at the USTA, my immediate and total focus is clear: delivering a smooth transition and ensuring I leave the sport, the business and the team in the best possible shape," Tiley added.

Rumours of Tiley's departure began in December, and at Melbourne Park last month several players used speeches to thank the 64-year-old for his efforts at the helm.

"Is it true that? Is it your last tournament?," Kristina Mladenovic asked after she and partner Manuel Guinard lost the mixed doubles final.

"I just would like to thank you for making this grand slam, something very, very special and something we're always looking forward to (at the) beginning of the season … you made this event great over the years."

The South African-born Tiley's wife Ali is American, and her family live in Chicago. Tiley told The Age he wanted their three kids - Marlowe, 13, and twins Archer and Weston, 12 - to experience living close to family, because they have no relatives in Australia.

Tiley joined Tennis Australia as player development director in 2005. He became Australian Open tournament director in 2006, and chief executive in 2013.

TA chair Chris Harrop said Tiley's had been a "transformative" tenure, and the sport had "gone from strength to strength".

"Tennis is very much front of mind for many Australians – from the Hot Shots program and social tennis through to club and competitive play, and the excitement of recent innovations like the One Point Slam," he said in a statement.

"Tennis Australia is now globally renowned for its innovation, inclusiveness and event management, as showcased in an outstanding summer of tennis which culminated in a another record-breaking Australian Open this year.

"The fact that Craig has been selected for one of the biggest roles in global sport is a testament to the strength of our organisation.

"We want to thank Craig for his enormous contribution to tennis in Australia and for his role in developing an outstanding team which is well equipped to deliver continued success.

"We have commenced an internal and external search for a new CEO and look forward to an orderly transition."