CLIFF DRYSDALE, ESPN’s longest-tenured sports analyst, received a special tribute from golfing great Jack Nicklaus as he announced he will retire from broadcasting once the US Open is over.
The 84-year-old South African-born TV presenter has been with the network for 46 years but will call time on his TV career this weekend.
Cliff Drysdale has announced his retirement after 46 years with ESPN[/caption]
Drysdale attends the International Tennis Hall of Fame Legends Ball[/caption]
One of his final two assignments for the channel was working on the women’s singles quarter-final on Wednesday between Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova – a rematch of the Wimbledon final – which the American won.
A touching video of his best TV moments, narrated by his friend and 18-time major winner Nicklaus, was played on air and it also included contributions from John McEnroe, Darren Cahill, Stan Smith, Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver and Chris Evert.
Nicklaus, 85, said: “It must be tough in life when you are really good looking.
“One dear friend of mine has that cross to bear.
“The way to overcome this handicap is to show the world there is real substance below the surface.
“Throughout his playing and broadcasting careers, Cliff Drysdale did just that.
“In a very real sense, Cliff was very instrumental in changing the game but he is the last man who will tell you.
“As with all great athletes, Cliff’s game gave us a glimpse into his character.
“Like his movement, in forehand and backhand, or from baseline to the net, Cliff’s transition from player to broadcaster was, in a word, smooth.
“No matter the engagement, Cliff’s engaging spirit shone through and touched the lives of everyone with whom he has worked.
“He was a gift that kept on giving so much for so long. As he says goodbye, all I can say is, here’s a chance for us to spend a little bit more time on the golf course. My friend, Cliffy.”
Drysdale was a top tennis player in the 1960s and 1970s, winning the US Open doubles title with Britain’s Roger Taylor in 1972.
And was also a member of the ‘Handsome Eight’ – the “James Bonds of tennis” – that played a series of matches in the breakaway World Championship Tennis group.
In 1965, he was beaten in four sets in the final of the US Open by Spaniard Manuel Santana, and he also reached semi-finals twice in singles at the French Open and Wimbledon.
How to watch the 2025 US Open
THE tennis world has descended upon New York City for the fourth and final slam of the year.
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows will have the eyes of the sporting universe upon it.
The 2025 US Open takes place from Sunday 24 August to Sunday 7 September.
And there is a standalone mixed-double competition as well as qualifying taking place in the week beforehand.
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After joining the network as an analyst – his first assignment was a Davis Cup tie involving the United States and Argentina – he then became a play-by-play voice for TV audiences.
Drysdale, who still has one more match to call at Flushing Meadows this week, was choked up as he watched the tribute video.
The Texas-resident said: “I thought that you guys would put something nice together.
“I never thought it would be anything that elaborate. Somebody went to a lot of trouble to put that together and I really appreciate it.
“It’s been a long road but it’s been a smooth road.
“I’ve always had the full respect of everybody in this company.
“I have felt the love of everybody around this table and all those who are not around this table as well.
“Nobody has disrespected me or not given me everything that they’ve had from the beginning, it continues to this day.
“I don’t know where I am going with this, other than to say that my great friend Jack Nicklaus, to put his voice on there is something that is really special.”
Host Chris McKendry said on Wednesday that his first appearance on the station with a mic in his hand was on September 14, 1979.
She said: “That was the day this voice of reason and source of endless entertainment became the voice of tennis in our country and all around the world.
“A gracious Hall of Famer, he is our friend and he is our North Star. We want to thank you and honour you with this.”
