Spain's Daniel Merida defeated crowd favorite Damir Dzumhur in a thrilling three-set final to capture the first ATP title of his career. The championship match was played in front of a packed ATP stadium Goran Ivanisevic, with the winner's trophy presented by the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic.

Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Merida crowned an outstanding week in Umag by winning the 36th Plava Laguna Croatia Open. The Spaniard arrived at the tournament as the world No. 82 and had recorded just 13 ATP Tour matches before this week's breakthrough.

Although experience was firmly on Dzumhur's side, it never unsettled Merida, even when the Bosnian fought his way back by claiming the second set after Merida had dominated the opener. In the deciding set, however, the young Spaniard once again showed why he had entered the final as the favorite.

With a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 victory, Merida lifted the first ATP trophy of his career. Remarkably, he competed in Umag with a very small support team, consisting essentially of just his girlfriend, and leaves Croatia with the biggest achievement of his career.

Dzumhur, who understandably ran out of energy in the third set after several demanding matches earlier in the week, graciously acknowledged that Merida deserved the victory. The experienced Bosnian therefore remains without a title after his ninth appearance in Umag.

During the trophy ceremony, both finalists thanked tournament director Tomislav Poljak and praised the outstanding organization of the event.

The winner's trophy was presented by the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic.. The closing ceremony was also attended by Plava Laguna president of the management board Dragan Pujas.