ESPN’s Longest-Tenured Commentator Cliff Drysdale Retires After 46 Years at US Open

Cliff Drysdale, ESPN's longest-tenured tennis analyst, is retiring after nearly five decades with the network, culminating his career at the 2025 US Open. The 84-year-old South African, who joined ESPN in 1979, has been a prominent voice in tennis broadcasting and a respected former top player, having won the US Open doubles title in 1972. ESPN honored him with an emotional tribute video narrated by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, featuring highlights from Drysdale’s playing and broadcasting career, which moved Drysdale and fellow analysts to tears. Drysdale expressed deep gratitude for the respect and support he has received throughout his tenure, describing his journey as a "long but smooth road." His colleagues praised him as a mentor, friend, and a guiding figure in tennis coverage. The retirement marks the end of an era for ESPN's tennis broadcasts as Drysdale steps away from the microphone after a storied career.