Long-time Wimbledon Referee Alan Mills Dies at 88
Known as 'Rain Man', Mills was a key figure in tennis, dealing with the sport's most volatile players and making significant decisions throughout his career.
- Alan Mills, the long-time referee of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, has died at the age of 88.
- Mills served as the All England Club’s referee from 1983 to 2005, earning the nickname 'Rain Man' as it was his call whether or not to suspend play during inclement weather.
- Before his off-court role, Mills had been a player and coach himself, reaching Wimbledon’s fourth round on two occasions and making the third round of the French Open twice.
- Mills was known for dealing with the most tempestuous generation of players ever to hurl a racket, including the likes of John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors.
- One of his most notable decisions was in 1995 when he was forced to disqualify Tim Henman after the player accidentally struck a ball girl in the ear.
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