Cliff Richey has an impressive clay court record of 172–63 across 235 matches (73.2% — strong). A win rate of that calibre over 235 matches is a reliable indicator of genuine quality on this surface. With 10 titles, among the most prolific clay court champions in the Open Era: Houston-2, Cincinnati, Toronto, Charlotte and 6 more.

At Grand Slam level (Roland Garros): a positive 17–9 (65.4%) across 26 matches — a player who generally rises to the occasion at the Slams on clay.

16 finals reached on clay — won 10, lost 6 (solid 63% conversion) — consistently getting to finals and winning the majority is a hallmark of elite performers on clay. 27 semifinals. 39 quarterfinals.

vs. Top 10 on clay: 2–4 (33.3%, 6 matches). Top 10 opponents have represented a clear ceiling on clay; addressing that deficit is the single biggest lever for improving the overall record here.

By format on clay — best-of-five: 42–17 (71.2%); best-of-three: 130–46 (73.9%). Slightly stronger in three-set contests on clay, though the five-set record is still respectable.

Dominant season: 1970 — 37–5 (88.1%) from 42 matches. A campaign of 37 wins on clay in a single season is among the best single-season records the surface has seen — the clearest benchmark of what is achievable at peak level.