Weaver heads into Liberty Open without longtime doubles partner

HUDSON — Justin Weaver will have so much more on his mind than just winning when he competes in the Liberty Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center this weekend.

For the first time since he began playing in the Open nine years ago, Weaver will participate without his friend and doubles partner, Guy Mallory, who passed away while practicing for the tournament on May 19.

The sudden loss of his best friend six weeks before the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) tournament hit Weaver hard, so hard in fact, he wasn’t sure he would even play. But when it came time to make a final decision, Weaver did what he knew Mallory would want him to do.

“Deciding to play this year after losing Guy was definitely one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Weaver said. “Guy and I have been best friends for 20 years and have been playing tennis together that long. I’m still grieving and still in disbelief most days. I’ve prayed a lot on whether or not to play and it took me returning to the courts to get my answer. I know it’s going to be very emotional entering the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center without Guy, and lots of emotions will undoubtedly come to the surface, but I know that Guy would want me to play and I know I would wonder ‘what if’, if I didn’t play.”

Overcoming the loss of his friend wasn’t the only obstacle Weaver had to face. The Hudson native had not played since last year’s tournament and needed to shake off some rust.

“I had not picked up a tennis racket since the tournament last year because I suffered two broken toes at different times and I had a few other medical issues I was dealing with,” Weaver explained. “After Guy died, I eventually decided I would make my decision to play, or not to play, based on how I felt by going to the tennis courts and just being there in that space. I picked up my tennis racket for the first time this year on May 25. As I started hitting the ball against the wall at the Hudson Middle School courts, an overwhelming peace came over me. A young kid asked me to hit some balls with him and it was as if Guy was telling me it’s OK to play.”

Weaver admits he’s not exactly where he wants to be from a physical standpoint, but still feels he’s ready to compete.

“I’ve just recently started practicing, exercising and dieting,” Weaver said. “Once again, I’m not in the shape I had hoped to be in this year for a number of reasons. Endurance is going to be my biggest hurdle. My game is there. Mentally I feel that I’m almost 100-percent and I know that is my biggest strength, so we’ll see what happens.”

Weaver and Mallory finished second in the doubles competition at the Open two years ago, with Weaver also advancing to the singles championship each of the last two years. He attributes much of his success to Mallory’s guidance.

“Guy was a straight shooter and that no-nonsense type of friend everyone needs in their life,” Weaver said. “We never had an argument, other than disagreements playing tennis. Being the oldest of five kids, I’m used to being the oldest brother. He was that big brother to me. He believed in me and would always encourage me. He didn’t have time for drama. He was about keeping it real and keeping things in perspective.

“Guy helped me see the tennis court in a different way. He helped me a lot in having more confidence at the net and helping me focus on each point and not get carried away with the scoreline. He always reminded me that I can beat anyone at any given moment, that it always is up to me.”

Weaver recently received good news when he learned he is the No. 1 seed in the singles competition, a designation that will no doubt bring added pressure.

“It brought me to tears seeing that I’m the No. 1 seed this year,” Weaver said. “I felt Guy smiling down on me and the happy tears were rolling. It’s definitely an accomplishment regardless of what happens on the courts this year.

“I have looked at the draw and I know that I am my biggest competition. I think for me, it’s always easier playing as the underdog, so being the guy that’s on top is definitely some added pressure. No matter if I’m the No. 1 seed or the No. 8 seed, I know I have to beat everyone in my way, so I just have to keep that mindset.”

Danilo Schmogro, who defeated Weaver in straight sets in last year’s final, won’t be back to defend his title, but Miroslav Trunec, who beat Weaver in the 2016 championship match will be playing and is the No. 4 seed.

“There are two guys that are the No. 2 seed and No. 3 seed behind me who I’m not familiar with,” Weaver said. “I’ve looked at their results in other tournaments and I have beaten guys they have lost to, so that is a positive. Miroslav Trunec is on the opposite side of the draw and if we are both playing well, I see us playing each other in the final.”

Weaver is slated to play Mojo Canales in the first round on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. A win there would put him in the quarterfinals to play the winner of the Juan Santamaria-Nikita Illarionov match at 2 p.m. Semifinal play will be held on Sunday morning at 10 a.m., with the championship match to follow at 12:30 p.m.

Weaver feels the early start on Saturday could work to his advantage.

“It is a good thing so I can avoid a little bit of the intense heat we’re supposed to have,” Weaver explained. “Also, the tournament officials decided to change the scoring a little bit because of the severe temperatures. If I win the first set and lose the second set, a 10-point super tiebreaker will be played in lieu of a third-set until the semifinals, at which point normal scoring will resume. I think all of this benefits me.”

Winning has always been the goal, but to bring home the championship trophy this year would be extra special for Weaver, who is appreciative for all the support he’s received from family and friends.

“To win this tournament would be closure in a way,” Weaver said. “It would be the ultimate tribute to Guy and to all the work we’ve put into this tournament over the past nine years of playing it. It would make me very, very happy. I also want to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time and encouraging me to go out there and give it my best. It really means a lot.”