Cliff Richey

Insights

Peak came in a three-year Open Era burst

Richey’s best Open Era results were three semifinals, all between 1970 and 1972: French Open and US Open in 1970, US Open in 1972. That stretch also includes his only quarterfinal and another round of 16, showing his highest level was concentrated in a short peak.

US Open was his most productive Slam

He played the US Open seven times and reached at least the round of 32 in six of those appearances, including two semifinals and one round of 16. His only weaker US Open finishes were R64 in 1975 and 1977, plus R128 in 1978.

French Open produced both his earliest and one of his best runs

His first French Open appearance in the data is a 1968 round of 16 at age 21, and he later matched or exceeded that level several times. The standout was the 1970 semifinal, while 1971 again brought the round of 16.

Wimbledon was his least consistent major

Across four Wimbledon appearances, his results ranged from a semifinal-equivalent quarterfinal in 1971 to three early exits: R64 in 1968, 1969, and 1970. He did manage one round of 16 in 1975, but never advanced beyond the quarterfinal stage.

His career arc shows a late decline after age 28

From age 20 to 28, he reached at least the round of 16 in multiple Slams and posted his best results. After age 28, the record drops to R64 at the 1975 US Open, R32 in 1976, R64 in 1977, and two R128 exits in 1978.