Leadership Transition at USTA
In a significant leadership shift, the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) has appointed Eric Butorac as the new tournament director for the US Open, succeeding Stacey Allaster. This transition was officially announced on Monday.
Eric Butorac’s Background
Butorac, who has served as the senior director of player relations and business development at the USTA, was also pivotal in launching the mixed doubles event at this year’s US Open, showcasing his deep involvement in the tournament’s evolution.
Reflecting on his new role, Butorac expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is, in many ways, a dream come true and the culmination of my life and career in tennis.”
With 14 years of experience as a professional player, he achieved notable success, breaking into the top 20 of the ATP doubles rankings and securing a place in the doubles finals of the 2014 Australian Open. His leadership experience includes roles such as president of the ATP player council and director of the Cincinnati Open in 2022.
Support from USTA Leadership
Brian Vahaly, the interim co-CEO of the USTA, praised Butorac’s contributions, emphasizing his dedication to enhancing the US Open experience for both competitors and attendees. Vahaly noted that Butorac’s insights and passion for tennis make him well-suited to lead the tournament into its next phase.
Stacey Allaster’s Legacy
Stacey Allaster, who has held the director position since 2020 and made history as the first woman to do so in the tournament’s 142-year history, will continue in her role as the USTA’s chief executive of professional tennis until May. Following her departure from that role, she will transition to an advisory position within the organization.
Allaster joined the USTA in 2016 and previously led the WTA, further contributing to her reputation as a trailblazer in women’s professional tennis.
