Cliff Drysdale, the 1972 US Open Doubles Champion, has two children from his first marriage to Jean Forbes Drysdale, who was also a Tennis star.
She competed in multiple Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open, for over a decade.
Jean and Cliff got married in London, England, in 1967. After staying together for around fifteen years, the couple separated in 1982.
Unfotunately, just after two years of divorce, Jean Forbes died at just 44 years of age due to an undisclosed illness.
A Power Tennis Couple, But Things Didn’t Work Out
At the time of her death, Jean was working as a tennis professional at Lakeway World of Resorts, while Cliff was working at ESPN, marking his fifth year as a broadcaster. The couple moved to the US in the mid-seventies.
The ATP co-founder and ESPN commentator married for the second time at the age of 70. He married DiAnna Belmonte, who reportedly also worked at a Sports Broadcasting House.
Unlike his first marriage, Cliff has no kids with his second wife. But she has been a great support, especially considering he is already in his mid-eighties.
Cliff, unfortunately, has retired after working for 46 years at ESPN, covering Grand Slams, Davis Cups, ATP Tour events, and many other events.
He was the central figure behind ESPN’s first-ever telecast of a Davis Cup match between the U.S. and Argentina.
“The voice of reason and source of endless entertainment… our North Star,” said Chris McKendry, a fellow ESPN Host.
Cliff Drysdale will focus on his tennis academics and resort partnerships. Thankfully, the reason for leaving ESPN as a legendary commentator was not due to health concerns, which many fans around the globe had feared.
He will now spend more time in Austin, Texas, with his beloved wife, DiAnna Belmonte.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Cliff has a Singles career record of 685-345 (66.5%) and 23 Singles Titles.
- He was awarded the William M. Johnston Award (1998) from the USTA and is an International Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee (2013).
- His late ex-wife, Jean, reached the final of the Queen’s Club Championships in 1955 at the age of 15.
