Abdo warned Australian Open role may prove too demanding

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

Andrew Abdo, who replaced Craig Tiley as Tennis Australia boss in August, will run the Australian Open for the first time in January.

Andrew Abdo took over as Tennis Australia boss in August after six years as NRL chief executive, replacing Craig Tiley. He will run the Australian Open for the first time in January 2025.

Peter Johnston, who served as Australian Open deputy tournament director for eight years under both Paul McNamee and Craig Tiley, believes Abdo will find the role overwhelming. Johnston told AAP that whilst he does not question Abdo's ability, the 49-year-old has not had sufficient time to understand every aspect of the business. "He just hasn't had the time to really dissect every aspect of the business," Johnston said. "And probably with the clock ticking to do the (Open) launch and this year's event, given there was a fair bit of stuff in place already, I would think he'd be assessing it and when he sees the magnitude of it and the magnitude of the rest of the job, it's just a massive gig."

Johnston suggested Abdo would likely hand over the Australian Open role after 2027, citing the need to focus on player development, participation rates, and broadcast deals across the sport.

How it is being reported

• 'Too big': Tiley's ex-2IC fears for Abdo as Open bossFormer NRL boss Andrew Abdo is facing a baptism of fire as Australian Open tournament director and Craig Tiley's one-time deputy is tipping he may not last.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 03:33
• 'Too big': Tiley's ex-2IC fears for Abdo as Open bossFormer NRL boss Andrew Abdo is facing a baptism of fire as Australian Open tournament director and Craig Tiley's one-time deputy is tipping he may not last.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 03:33

In this story: Andrew Abdo · Craig Tiley · Peter Johnston · Tennis Australia · Australian Open · Australia

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