“Without Drysdale’s voice, it won’t seem like the US Open.” Cliff Drysdale’s retirement following the 2025 US Open will signal the end of a historic era in tennis broadcasting, and this emotion, shared by innumerable admirers online, perfectly depicts his enormous impact. ESPN announced that the 84-year-old commentator, one of the network’s original voices, will step away from the booth after nearly five decades, closing a chapter that began with the network’s own launch in 1979.
For generations of viewers, Drysdale’s calm, authoritative voice provided the soundtrack to tennis’s most iconic moments, from Wimbledon to Roland Garros and, most notably, the US Open.
Who is Cliff Drysdale and What Defined His Career?
The fact that Cliff Drysdale’s tennis reputation is based on two separate and incredibly prosperous careers makes it special. He was a top-tier player before he started announcing. His on-court accomplishments are hall-of-fame worthy: he reached a career-high world ranking of No. 4, was a US Open finalist in 1965, and was rightfully inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013.
Cliff Drysdale, the longest-tenured broadcaster at ESPN, will retire after calling his final match (Thu, 7p ET)
He joined ESPN Sept. 14, ’79 & today received heartfelt tributes honoring his career surrounded by colleagues
Watch: https://t.co/kg2ljWb3S2 | 📸Allen Kee/ESPN Images pic.twitter.com/hA8StCJHWa
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) September 3, 2025
His vast pool of information that made his analysis so useful came from this exceptional playing experience. He didn’t just describe the action; he explained the strategy, pressure, and nuance of the game from a place of intimate knowledge.
Why is His Retirement So Significant?
Drysdale’s retirement is more than just a personnel change; it is the end of a foundational pillar for ESPN and for sports broadcasting. He was there for the network’s very first year on air, and for 46 years, he covered virtually every major tennis tournament, becoming a constant and trusted voice for fans.
His decision to step away at 84, without citing a specific reason, is seen by colleagues as a choice to retire on his own terms. As one longtime ESPN producer noted, “He’s done this longer than anyone thought possible. Now it’s his time.” This self-directed departure is a rare privilege in an industry often marked by sudden changes.
How Did the World React to the News?
The announcement was met with an outpouring of respect and nostalgia from the tennis community and viewers alike. Social media users called ESPN’s tribute video, which featured his serene demeanor and his calling of the sport’s most memorable games, “tear-jerking.”
Tennis writer Christopher Clarey perfectly summarized Drysdale’s unique role, stating that he “bridged the gap between eras—first as a player in the 60s and 70s, and then as the voice guiding us through the Open Era.” This ability to connect the past and the present made his commentary educational and deeply enriching.
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The Legacy of Drysdale’s
A pioneer’s legacy is what Cliff Drysdale left behind. He was the steady voice that guided American audiences through the evolution of modern tennis. By making intricate tactics understandable to both casual viewers and ardent supporters, his eloquent and perceptive analysis contributed to the sport’s rise in popularity in the US.
His departure creates an irreplaceable void in the broadcast booth. As the final point is called at the 2025 US Open, it will signify more than just the end of a tournament; it will be the quiet signing-off of one of the most enduring and respected voices in all of sports television.
