Ridge High School senior Mike Liu ended his season in the second round of the state singles tournament with an act of pure sportsmanship.
Liu, alphabetically seeded 5-8, was playing unseeded Carl Wozniczka of West Orange and was ahead in a third-set super tiebreaker, needing just two more points to reach the next round. But Liu knew he couldn’t play the following day because he had reinjured his upper leg. So, with an 8-4 lead and worsening pain, Liu made the difficult decision to withdraw.
“It was a tough way to end my high school career,” Liu said. “No one wants to end the season with a retirement in the middle of a state tournament. I’m thankful that my friends helped comfort me at a time when I was overwhelmed.”
This disappointment didn’t diminish Liu’s spectacular senior year — he captured the Somerset County Tournament first-singles title, earned an individual record of 21-1-1, and led the Red Devils to the NJSIAA North 2 Group IV final, where they fell 4-1 to Millburn, the eventual state champion.
“I’d say the highlight of my season was winning the county championship,” said Liu, who helped spark Ridge’s 18-4 record. “I was very happy that I could play to my potential the whole tournament. I think I played some of the best tennis in my high school career at that tournament.”
For all his achievements and for his leadership as a senior co-captain, Liu is the Courier News Boys Tennis Player of the Year.
“Making it to the sectional final was the highlight of the season for our team,” Liu continued. “Ours was considered to be one of the toughest groups in the state because a lot of Top 10 teams are clustered in it.”
After taking a break from high school tennis in his junior year to focus on academics and USTA tournaments, Liu returned this season to head Ridge’s lineup. As a sophomore, he claimed the SCT second-singles title behind county champion Alex Ruderman, now a graduate.
“My parents took me out to start hitting when I was 3 — or that’s what they told me,” Liu added. “Early on, I just saw myself improving. Basically, what it signaled to me is that I should just focus on tennis because I definitely enjoyed playing.”
Liu noted that his motivation to win comes from within.
“Basically, I want to see myself play to my full potential. That’s what drives me to play hard,” Liu admitted.
“Mike found the perfect balance between athletics and academics as he achieved much success both in the classroom and on the tennis court,” Ridge head coach Chad Griffiths said. “He led by example each and every day. His work ethic, focus and dedication have made a lasting impact on our tennis team.”
As co-captain of the Red Devils along with first-doubles player Stephen Chung, Liu said his leadership style is all about sharing.
“I try to teach my teammates the lessons I learned throughout my tennis career,” Liu added. “For example, taking the time off court to improve on court.”
While Liu plans to play tennis for Wesleyan University in the fall, he’s not yet sure if he’ll end up focusing on engineering or economics.
“It’s definitely the closing of another chapter,” said Liu on his last high school tennis season. “It’s sad to see it end, but at the same time, I’m looking forward to beginning my college career.”