Young Spaniard wins at Umag

Twenty-one-year-old Spaniard Daniel Mérida claimed his first ATP Tour title on Saturday, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina's Damir Džumhur 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in the final at the Goran Ivanišević Stadium at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open in Umag.

Mérida received the winner's trophy from Croatian President Zoran Milanović.

"It's a great feeling to win my first ATP title," Mérida said after the match. "Winning on the ATP Tour is something special. I'm very happy."

"This tournament is amazing. I have to thank the tournament director, the sponsor, the president and everyone who made this event possible. It was my first time here, but it definitely won't be my last. I also want to congratulate Damir on an amazing week. We fought until the very end today, and it was a great final. Thank you for an amazing week," he added.

Mérida also thanked the fans for their support.

The 21-year-old became the eighth Spanish player to win the Umag title, continuing Spain's rich history at the tournament. Former champions Carlos Moyá, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz all went on to become world number one, while Alberto Berasategui, Tommy Robredo, Félix Mantilla and Fernando Verdasco also reached the world's top 10.

"I still have a lot of work to do, but my goal is to reach the top 10," Mérida said. "It's a difficult path, but I'll give my best every day to achieve it."

Džumhur, meanwhile, praised the young Spaniard as he accepted the runner-up trophy.

"First, I want to say, Daniel, you had an amazing week. Throughout the tournament you played at such a high level, and you deserved this victory. Keep going," the 34-year-old said.

Both players are scheduled to compete next week in Estoril, Portugal. Mérida will look to build on his breakthrough victory, while Džumhur hopes to recover from the abdominal injury that hampered him during the tournament.

Croatian Dino Prižmić, who retired from his second-round match because of fatigue, has withdrawn from the Estoril tournament following consultations with his team.

Tournament organizers expect all three players to return to Umag next year, with both Mérida and Džumhur already confirming their participation.