Dec 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
Dec 11, 2024, 2:00 PM

Stacey Allaster resigns as U.S. Open director just two years before her exit

Highlights
  • Stacey Allaster will step down from her role as U.S. Open tournament director after the 2025 event.
  • She has dedicated nearly 40 years to tennis, with significant milestones in gender equality advocacy.
  • Her departure marks a pivotal transition in tennis leadership, with implications for future female sports leaders.
Story

In June 2025, Stacey Allaster will conclude her tenure as the U.S. Open tournament director, a position she has held since 2020. Allaster's decision to step down comes after nearly 40 years of involvement in tennis, starting from her early days cleaning courts at a local club in Canada to executive roles including Canadian Open tournament director and chief executive of professional tennis at the USTA. As part of her transition, Allaster will assume a special advisor role with the USTA, allowing her the time to focus on personal pursuits and her commitment to enhancing youth sports, particularly for girls. Throughout her career, she has showcased a dedication to gender equality in sports, establishing a legacy that inspires future generations. Under her leadership, the U.S. Open reached significant milestones, including attracting a record one million fans to the event. The USTA has stated that Allaster will assist in selecting her successor as tournament director, ensuring a smooth transition for the new leader following her departure. Allaster's upcoming chapter aims to include more involvement in women’s professional sporting events in Canada, which she feels passionate about. Recently, she attended a sold-out women’s hockey game that evoked a strong emotional response, showcasing her ongoing enthusiasm for women in sports. Throughout her years in tennis, she has worked alongside notable athletes, including Billie Jean King, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams, contributing to a more inclusive environment in professional sports. The changes in leadership at the U.S. Open represent not just a shift for Allaster as an individual, but a broader movement within sports to prioritize diversity and the promotion of female leaders. The USTA has publicly acknowledged her contributions and expressed gratitude for her impactful leadership, signaling a continued commitment to these values in the future of tennis. Allaster's legacy will likely influence future generations of female leaders in sports, opening doors for them in a historically male-dominated arena.

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