Retiring tennis broadcaster Cliff Drysdale fought back the tears following a moving tribute at the US Open. Drysdale was one of tennis' top stars in the 1960s and was a key figure at the start of the game's Open Era late in that decade. After hanging up his racket, he moved into broadcasting with ESPN in 1979, becoming the voice of tennis in the United States. He became a naturalised citizen of the US, having been born in South Africa.

At the age of 84 and after 46 years with ESPN - its longest-serving broadcaster - he is putting down the mic at the current US Open. To mark his incredible service to the sport, ESPN produced a moving eight-minute montage, which featured tributes from numerous figures, including tennis legends and broadcasters John McEnroe and Chris Evert. There was also an appearance from his great friend Jack Nicklaus, the golfing icon, who said he was looking forward to spending more time with Drysdale on the course.

Following the segment, a visibly moved Drysdale struggled to keep his emotions in check. He said: "I thought the guys would put something nice together. I never thought it would be something that elaborate.

"Somebody went to a lot of trouble to put that together. I really appreciate it. It's been a long road but it's been a smooth road.

"I have always had the full respect of everybody. I have felt the love of everybody around this table and all those that are not around this table as well.

"Nobody has disrespected [me] or not given me everything they have from the beginning. It continues to this day. I don't know where I'm going with this, other than to say... For my great friend Jack Nicklaus to put his voice on there is something that is really special."

To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or newsletter

Presenter Chris McKendry also teared up as she paid tribute to Drysdale. She said: "I didn't grow up like these others [tennis analysts] knowing you, I grew up listening to you. So to meet the man behind the voice has been everything. Thank you."

Evert added: "What a historian. ESPN will never have another historian like you. You always made your analyst feel like they were the star, so thank you for your generosity, thank you for always being there for me in my darkest hours, Cliffy."

Patrick McEnroe, brother of John, said: "You were like another father, another brother and, most importantly, an amazing friend.

"When I got started [in broadcasting] 30 years ago, I was the courtside guy. You took me under your wing, as you've done with so many. We love you, we're going to miss you, but we know you're still going to be around, right?" Drysdale quipped in reply: "Like a bad penny."