Spanish teenager Daniel Merida wins first major ATP title in Umag

Spain's Daniel Merida captured his first major ATP title at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open, defeating Damir Džumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final. The 21-year-old expressed his elation, stating, "This is big, it's a special feeling when you win a big tournament for the first time." He admitted to feeling nervous while serving for the match, especially as Džumhur improved his play.

Merida, who was ranked 82nd at the start of the tournament, is expected to enter the top 60 players following this win. He began his tennis journey at age five, but a pivotal move to Alicante at ten led him to the renowned Tenniscomp academy. There, former professional Iván Navarro took him under his wing.

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This is big, it's a special feeling when you win a big tournament for the first time. When I was serving for the match, I was a bit nervous, and Džumhur also started playing better. I am overjoyed with this result. I still have a lot of work to do, but I will give my best to reach the Top 10. It's a difficult path, but I am ready to give my all every day to achieve it one day.

Navarro praised Merida's mental strength, describing him as "a guy with power" who "slams opponents with his power and that tough mentality." He noted Merida's completeness as a player, with a high average performance across all shots. Merida dominated junior categories, winning Spanish championships and reaching the quarterfinals of the junior Roland Garros twice.

After turning professional in 2021, Merida steadily progressed through the ranks. His 2024 season was particularly strong, with 55 wins and 32 losses, securing two titles and two finals. The following year, he broke into the top 200 players globally and won his first ATP Challenger title at the Open de Pozoblanco.

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The best thing he has is his mentality. He is a guy with power and in the end slams opponents with his power and that tough mentality. He is a complete player. There isn't a single shot you would say he uses to win all points with, but his average is extremely high.