Overview

• The 84-year-old called his final match during US Open coverage, signing off on his own terms after nearly five decades on air.
• ESPN aired a lengthy sendoff that included a surprise message from Jack Nicklaus and on-set tributes that left Drysdale and colleagues emotional.
• Drysdale joined ESPN in 1979, called the network’s first tennis telecast, and became its longest-tenured commentator.
• Neither Drysdale nor ESPN has given a reason for the retirement, and reporting notes no confirmed health issue behind the decision.
• His departure leaves ESPN without any original 1979-era broadcasters and closes a Hall of Fame career that included co-founding the ATP and serving as its first president.