Alan Mills dead: Ex-tennis star and Wimbledon referee nicknamed 'Rain Man' dies aged 88 as tributes pour in | 45S266G | 2024-01-27 09:08:01
Alan was the general public face of tennis championship for over 20 years, serving because the All-England Membership's referee from 1983 to 2005.
LEGENDARY Wimbledon event referee Alan Mills has died on the age of 88.
Alan was the general public face of tennis championship for over 20 years, serving because the All-England Membership's referee from 1983 to 2005.
He was awarded an OBE for his providers in 1996, and a CBE in 2006.
His duties included ordering play, satisfying the media, dealing with players and their agents, as well as suspending play as a result of weather – a task that earned him the nickname "Rain Man".
In a press release confirming Mills' dying, the ATP described the long-time referee as having had "impeccable character and integrity".
It stated: "Mills opened his workplace door to each player at the All England Membership and earned universal respect.
"If there was a problem, he shortly nipped it within the bud and treated every participant equally – from a World No. 1 to the 128th participant in the draw."
Former Wimbledon referee Gerry Armstrong added: "Alan was a terrific influence on myself and lots of officials all over the world.
"He was all the time helpful and encouraging in the course of the years we worked together at Wimbledon and on the ATP Tour. It was an incredible honour to work alongside him in skilled tennis for many many years."
A number of other tennis stars have paid tribute.
Australian ex-tennis referee Richard Ings stated: "Sad to lose Alan Mills, a person of integrity and dignity. He was the epitome of English widespread sense on the world's tennis courts.
"I liked working with him at Wimbledon, Monte Carlo. He appointed me to umpire a Wimbledon semi. I was 23. Universally revered. Considering of his family."
Doubles legend Pam Shriver added: "Alan Mills had just the proper touch as Wimbledon referee. RIP."
Mills had additionally been a legendary participant in his youth, profitable the Royal Air Drive Tennis Championship twice, and representing Nice Britain in three Davis Cup ties.
He went on to succeed in Wimbledon's fourth spherical on two occasions, and the third spherical of the French Open twice.
Alongside his spouse, international desk tennis participant Jill Rook, he also made 14 appearances in the Wimbledon combined doubles.
Mills' demise comes just days after the respected sports journalist Mike Dickson died while masking the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The pair had been associates for years.
Sports activities journalist Stuart Fraser stated: "Dicko was speaking about Alan in the press room earlier this week and shared some tales from years gone by. A really unhappy few days."
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