Australian Open chief executive Paul McNamee has resigned from Tennis Australia after 12 years to pursue other interests.

No other reason was given for his resignation announced on Saturday, or any specifics as to what the former player and Grand Slam doubles champion would pursue.

McNamee, 51, held the No. 1 ranking in doubles and won 24 doubles titles, many of them with fellow Australian Peter McNamara. McNamee won two Wimbledon doubles titles - in 1980 and 1982 - and two at the Australian Open - in 1979 and 1983.

He was also a member of Australian teams which won the Davis Cup in 1983 and 1986.

"Tennis Australia ... would like to pay tribute to his efforts over the past 12 years which have established the Australian Open as one of the world's marquee sporting events," said Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard.

"His creativity and energy helped elevate the Australian Open to be on a par with the other three Grand Slams."

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