After a remarkable career spanning decades, legendary tennis commentator Cliff Drysdale is retiring following the US Open. Drysdale's departure marks the end of an era for tennis broadcasting, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.

Born in Nelspruit, South Africa, on May 26, 1941, Eric Clifford "Cliff" Drysdale excelled as a tennis player before transitioning to the broadcast booth. He reached the Men's Singles final at the 1965 U.S. Championships and won the German Championships the same year. His career record includes 23 singles titles. Drysdale was also a pioneer, known for popularizing the two-handed backhand. In 1968, he defeated Rod Laver in the fourth round of the US Open. In 1972, he won the US Open doubles title with Roger Taylor.

Drysdale's impact extended beyond the court. He was among the "Handsome Eight," a group of players who joined the World Championship Tennis group in 1968. In 1972, he played a crucial role in founding the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), serving as its first president from 1972 to 1974. During his time as president, he led a successful boycott of Wimbledon in 1973.

Drysdale transitioned to broadcasting in 1979, becoming a tennis commentator for ESPN since its inception. His first broadcast was on September 14, 1979, at a Davis Cup match between the USA and Argentina. After Bob Ley's retirement in 2019, Drysdale became ESPN's longest-serving commentator. He has been described as the "voice" of ESPN. Known for his insightful commentary, Drysdale has been a popular personality on ABC Sports and ESPN, as well as a contributing writer for Tennis Magazine. In 2011, he called the first match ever on ESPN 3D, a Gentlemen's Semifinal at Wimbledon between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Novak Djokovic.

Drysdale's contributions to tennis have been widely recognized. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013. The USTA awarded him the William M. Johnston Award in 1998. He was also named "Best Announcer" by Tennis Magazine in 1985 and 1986.

Throughout his broadcasting career, Drysdale has earned a reputation for his insightful analysis, articulate delivery, and unwavering passion for the sport. His voice has become synonymous with tennis for generations of fans. His absence will be felt deeply by viewers, fellow commentators, and everyone involved in the sport.