- Alan Mills was a Wimbledon referee from 1983 to 2005
- Mills, who died at the age of 88, was nicknamed ‘Rain Man’
- Before becoming an official, Mills previously spent time as a player and coach
Former Wimbledon referee Alan Mills has tragically passed away at the age of 88.
Mills was a referee at the All England Club from 1983 to 2005 and was extremely popular within the game. The ATP Tour announced the news of his death on Thursday.
During his tenure at Wimbledon, Mills was nicknamed ‘Rain Man’ as it was his responsibility to decide whether to suspend play in bad weather.
In a statement, the ATP described Mills as having “impeccable character and integrity.”
Meanwhile, another former Wimbledon referee Gerry Armstrong also paid tribute.
Legendary former Wimbledon referee Alan Mills has tragically passed away at the age of 88
During his tenure at Wimbledon, Mills was nicknamed ‘Rain Man’ as it was his responsibility to decide whether to suspend play in bad weather.
“Alan had a great influence on myself and many officials around the world,” he said.
‘He was always helpful and encouraging during the years we worked together at Wimbledon and on the ATP Tour.
“It was a great honor to work with him for many decades in professional tennis.”
After ending his stint as a Wimbledon official in 2005, Mills continued to referee some ATP, WTA and ATP Champions Tour events until 2015.
Formerly a player and coach, Mills was awarded an OBE in 1996 and a CBE in 2006
Mills was known for several clashes with the likes of John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors over the years.
He also famously disqualified Tim Henman from Wimbledon in 1995 when the Brit accidentally hit a ball girl on the ear.
Before Mills started working as a referee, he was a player and coach. His peak came in 1966 when he reached the Wimbledon double semi-finals, while also reaching the third round of the French Open twice.
Mills was awarded an OBE in 1996 and a CBE in 2006 for his services to sport.