In Umag, Daniel Merida Claims First ATP Title in Seventh Career Event

21-year-old Daniel Merida started his ATP journey this year at Indian Wells. He made his first ATP final in Bucharest, in his second tour-level event. 

This week, in his seventh, he’s claimed his first title. 

Merida defeated Damir Dzumhur in a wild Umag final, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, to become the eighth first-time title winner on the ATP Tour. 

“It was a crazy match,” said Merida, who served for the match in the second set but lost his serve four consecutive times. 

In the decider, Merida righted the ship and won the final five games to deny 34-year-old Dzumhur. 

The Madrid native is up to No.58 in the ATP live rankings – a career high. He was ranked 139 in March when he showed up to play Indian Wells as a qualifier. 

Dzumhur was seeking his first ATP title since 2018, and fourth overall. He had spent six hours and 26 minutes on court across his last two matches, wins over Matteo Arnaldi (three hours and 42 minutes) and Alex Molcan (two hours and 44 minutes).