There are few more prestigious roles in the world of tennis than Wimbledon referee. Alan Mills, who has died aged 88, held the position with quiet distinction for 23 years, from 1983 to 2005.
If this suggests a career sailing on smooth seas, the impression would be false. Being the final arbiter during a fortnight of fierce sporting competition in the full glare of a global spotlight would, rightly, suggest a job of greater turbulence. Throw in personalities bursting with the talent and temperament of John McEnroe, Ilie Năstase, Boris Becker and others of equal untamed ambition, and it becomes clear special qualities of one’s own are required to keep the Championships from imploding.
