Spaniard Merida wins first career title at Croatia Open

Young Spanish talent Daniel Merida has captured his first ATP career title, emerging victorious at the Croatia Open in Umag. The 21-year-old defeated veteran Damir Džumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in a final that lasted two hours.

Merida displayed superior freshness throughout the match, a stark contrast to the 34-year-old Džumhur, who had spent four hours less on court in previous rounds. Džumhur's taxing quarterfinal against Matteo Arnaldi and semifinal against Alex Molčan appeared to take a toll.

Merida quickly established a lead in the first set, securing an early break and cruising to a 5-1 advantage before closing it out. He seemed poised for a straightforward victory in the second set, holding a 4-3 lead and 40-0. However, nerves led to a dip in his play, with double faults costing him consecutive service games. Džumhur capitalized, winning four straight games to force a deciding third set.

In the final set, after both players exchanged early breaks, Merida regained control. He applied pressure on Džumhur's serve, breaking him twice more to secure his maiden ATP title. This victory marks Merida's second ATP final appearance, having lost the Bucharest final earlier this year. For Džumhur, it was his fifth ATP final, but his first on clay and first since winning his third title in Antalya in 2018.