The tennis world is mourning the death of esteemed sportswriter Mike Dickson, who died suddenly during the Australian Open.
Mike was a tennis correspondent for the Daily Mail, one of the highest-paid circulation newspapers in the UK and one of the world’s largest English-speaking news sites. He had covered tennis and other sports for the past 38 years and loved nothing more than to report on the successes of British players.
The father to Sam, Ruby and Joe, and husband of Lucy, ‘Dicko’ - as he was fondly known - was covering his 24th Australian Open. “Walking in today worked out I’ve accidentally spent more than 18 months of life in Australia. The sum of 3 Ashes tours and lots of Opens,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) as the tournament began on January 14.
Mike was to turn 60 on 27 January, the day of the Australian Open women’s final, and the tournament had plans to help him celebrate the milestone. “We are all devastated by this loss,” said Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley.
“Dicko was an astute, modest, and thoroughly professional journo. He reported on the sport with great integrity, always asking the hard questions, and seeking a balanced view of complex issues.
“He was a dyed-in-the-wool journalist who never stitched anyone up for the sake of a story. He had a genuine interest in British tennis and did a lot to nurture talent, whether it be new players coming through or young writers wanting to break into tennis journalism.”
A recipient of the ATP Ron Bookman Media Excellence Award in 2016, Mike spent the early years of his career working as a freelancer before an opening came up at the Daily Mail in 1990. He covered cricket, golf, and the Olympics for Britain’s most influential tabloid before fully immersing himself in tennis. He was the author of Emma Raducanu: When Tennis Came Home (Hodder & Stoughton 2022), which documents the inspiring journey of one of Britain’s brightest hopes.
He also penned The Sunday Times bestseller Bob Willis: A Cricketer and a Gentleman, published in 2020.
"First of all, I would say condolences to Mike," said Raducanu following her second-round match against Wang Yafan. "I heard the news this morning. Was pretty taken aback to be honest because he was here two nights ago, and everything was normal.
"[It] just shows how precious life is and puts everything into perspective. I know I came off a three-set loss, but in comparison to what just happened, I was taken aback.
"Condolences. I know it's a very sad day for everyone and his family. I really hope you can stay as strong as you can."
“‘Dicko', as he was known in this office and in press rooms across the world, was the supreme tennis correspondent of his time in a talented field; furthermore, he was a blueprint for a 'correspondent' in any single sport,” wrote Daily Mail colleague Jonathan McEvoy.
“Hyperbole was not his style in life or in print. Unlike many in our business, Dicko was not given to laps of honour for the scoops he brought in. This paper's understated gem never sought awards for awards' sake. He wore his successes as he wrote his articles, with the style and modesty of a prince.”
Mike lived in Wimbledon and was dubbed ‘Mr Wimbledon’ by his peers, always taking time to develop a rapport with British players, many of whom have joined the outpouring of grief at the doyen of tennis journalism’s tragic passing.
"Don't know what to say,” posted British tennis player Liam Broady. “A strong, good, and fair man. Cared about me when I was at my lowest ebb. Rest well Mike.”
In a busy day for British tennis at the Australian Open, the nation’s top players offered their sincere condolences.
“First of all, I want to share my condolences with Mike Dickson,” British No.1 Cameron Norrie told media after five-set win over Giulio Zeppieri in the second round.
“[It’s] probably so tough. He was always really fair with me, really nice with me. He went out of his way to help my parents move to London, settle into London. Probably a big shock. I just wanted to say that to start it off.”
Katie Boulter started her press conference in the same way. “My deepest, deepest condolences to Mike Dickson and his family. It was a shock I'm sure to everyone this morning waking up,” said Boulter following her exit to Zheng Qinwen.
“I think it just reminds all of us the important things in life. It really hit me this morning to have some perspective going out there today.”
Mike will be greatly missed in the media rooms at the Australian Open and those he frequented around the world. Tennis Australia stands with the international tennis community in extending its deepest condolences to Mike’s family and friends.