Iconic Wimbledon Referee Alan Mills Passes Away at 88

Cataleya

January 22, 2024 · 1 min read

Iconic Wimbledon Referee Alan Mills Passes Away at 88
Other Sports | January 22, 2024
Photographed in 2005, Alan Mills is described as having a character and integrity of the highest caliber. (Image: Richard Saker)

Alan Mills the longtime Wimbledon tournament referee, has passed away at the age of 88,as announced by the ATP Tour. Mills held the role of referee at the All England Club from 1983 to 2005 and was affectionately known as the “Rain Man” for his pivotal decisions on suspending play in inclement weather. Described by the ATP as a person with “impeccable character and integrity,” Mills had a notable impact on tennis officiating globally. Former Wimbledon referee Gerry Armstrong expressed his respect for Mills, highlighting his helpful and encouraging nature during their years of collaboration at Wimbledon and on the ATP Tour. Mills, who was also a player and coach achieved notable success in his own right, reaching Wimbledon’s fourth round twice and making the third round of the French Open on two occasions.