Dani Mérida has more than earned playing in his second ATP final. The Madrid native has won the Spain-Argentina duel against Burruchaga in straight sets (6-4 and 6-2) and will compete in the Umag final.
Mérida continues with its solidity on clay. Today he was once again much superior to his rival with 17 winning shots and scoring 60% of the points played. After a first set with comings and goings of both, the Spaniard managed to break the Argentine’s serve at the key moment when it remained to win the first set (6-4). Already in the second, dominating at all times, he took advantage of his five break points to convert two of them and close a great second set, and thus win the match.
It will be the second ATP final that the Madrid native playsafter the ATP 250 in Bucharest last April 5in which he lost in a tough match against another Argentine, Mariano Navone. On the land of Umag, it is already the third youngest finalist of the decade (21 years and 10 months), together with Jannik Sinner (20 years and 10 months) and Carlos Alcaraz (18 years and two months).
Furthermore, he has already secured his best position in the world ranking, placing himself in the position number 71. If he wins the final, he will break the top 70 barrier and achieve a new milestone in his career.
Next objective, the final
The final will be played tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. and his rival will emerge from the other semi-final duel between Damir Dzumhur and Alex MolčanDavidovich’s executionerin the quarterfinals.
