If there’s been one strong driving force at the US Open in recent years, it has to be none other than Stacey Allaster. Remember how she helped introduce a revolutionary change for women’s singles champions at the American hard court slam two years ago? After 50 years, the female winners received the same-sized replicas as men for their trophies. Back then she said, “Trophies are so iconic to the history of these championships, and we just didn’t feel it was the right thing to move away from that history, but … (we wanted) to be able to award the singles champions the same sizes.” However, now it’s time for her to make a new transition.

For the uninitiated, Stacey Allaster has been the tournament director for the US Open since 2020. But now she’s going to retire from the designation to move to an advisory role. That way, she will get to pursue other endeavors in her day-to-day routine. Announcing the decision last December, she said, “I am excited to close out my career in professional tennis with the USTA. It has been an honor to lead one of the world’s most prestigious sport and entertainment events: a pinnacle point in a career that allowed me the privilege to collaborate with extraordinary athletes, leaders, staff, volunteers, and fans.”

Reflecting on her contributions to the event, she added, “I am proud of the growth and innovation that propelled the US Open to new record-level attendance and even more so to have become the first female tournament director of the US Open—an honor that will pave the way for more female leaders in the sport that I love. For now, I am focused and inspired to stage the most successful USO in 2025.”

For her last appearance as the director, she was present for the final between Amanda Anisimova and Aryna Sabalenka. It took place on Saturday evening at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The world No. 1 beat the American in straight sets and successfully defended her 2024 title.

Overview of Stacey Allaster’s valuable contribution to the US Open

Before taking on the role of the event director, Stacey Allaster joined the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in 2016 as the Chief Executive of Professional Tennis. There, she helped in shaping the vision for the USTA’s pro tennis division, including the US Open. Other key events involved the likes of the Davis Cup, the Billie Jean King Cup, the Laver Cup, and the Olympics. And not to mention the USTA Pro Circuit.

In 2024, thanks to her efforts, the US Open drew one million fans on-site for the first time. Even despite the challenges of a global pandemic, COVID-19 in 2020, Allaster helped in organizing the American hard court slam. It was the first sporting event to take place amidst the lockdown situation.

Additionally, Allaster has been a key figure and advocate for equality in sports. Previously, she’s also been named by Forbes as one of the most powerful women in sport and a 50 Over 50 Visionary. When it comes to accolades, she’s received the Billie Jean King Leadership Award and also the Order of Canada in her native country. It was given for her work regarding gender equality.

Impressed with her work ethic, the USTA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Law Sherr said, “Under her leadership, we’ve achieved so much together, including reaching the remarkable milestone of one million fans at the US Open—a vision she helped turn into a reality. Stacey’s ability to lead with integrity and inspire and mentor those around her has made her not just a trusted leader but someone who brings out the very best in others,” reported the US Open website in December 2024.

With Allaster leaving, the quest for the next tournament director will commence once the 2025 edition wraps up on Sunday.

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