The USTA has announced that Eric Butorac, currently serving as Senior Director of Player Relations and Business Development, will become the next Tournament Director of the US Open starting in 2026. He will succeed Stacey Allaster, who will continue as USTA Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, before transitioning to a strategic advisor role in May 2026.
Butorac’s Journey from Player to Leader
Butorac joined the USTA in 2016 after a 14-year professional career in which he won 18 ATP doubles titles and reached the doubles final at the 2014 Australian Open. Known for his strong relationships across the sport, he has played a key role in enhancing player experiences at the US Open and expanding initiatives such as US Open Fan Week. He also directed the Cincinnati Open in 2022 and recently oversaw the reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, which achieved record attendance and engagement.
Praise from USTA Leadership
Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board, President and Interim Co-CEO of the USTA, welcomed the appointment with enthusiasm.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Eric as the new Tournament Director of the US Open. He is one of the most respected and trusted figures in tennis, and his impact on the USTA and the US Open has been extraordinary,” Vahaly said. “Eric has been instrumental in strengthening the US Open experience for both players and fans, and his leadership, insight and passion for the game make him the ideal person to guide the next chapter of the tournament’s success.”
Butorac’s Vision
Reflecting on his appointment, Butorac expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.
“I am beyond excited and grateful to serve as US Open Tournament Director. This is in many ways a dream come true and the culmination of my life and career in tennis,”
Butorac said. “I’m humbled not only by the opportunity but to follow in the footsteps of one of my greatest mentors, Stacey Allaster. I owe a tremendous gratitude to Stacey, from whom I learned more than I ever could have imagined after transitioning from a career playing on tour. Now, I cannot wait to help drive the continued growth and success of the US Open well into the future.”Allaster’s Reflections
Stacey Allaster, who has led the US Open with distinction, praised Butorac’s evolution from player to leader.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve as Tournament Director of the US Open — a global stage where champions rise and history is made. It’s also been a privilege to work alongside Eric and witness his remarkable journey from the court as a professional player to a leader in the boardroom,” Allaster said. “Eric brings humility, heart, and a mindset balanced on the needs of our players and fans, and this makes him uniquely qualified to lead the US Open into its next chapter of growth. The US Open Grand Slam Championships are in outstanding hands with Eric as the Tournament Director.”
A Career Built on Dedication
Butorac, 44, is a native of Rochester, Minnesota. He was a three-time ITA All-American at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he won the NCAA Division III singles and doubles titles in 2003. He was inducted into the Gustavus Adolphus Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 and the ITA Hall of Fame in 2025. His appointment marks the continuation of a career defined by dedication to tennis both on and off the court.