MUTUA MADRID OPEN

April 27, 2026

Daniel Merida

Translated from Spanish

S. TSITSIPAS/D. Merida

6-4, 6-2

Q. Clearly you've been one of the best players in this tournament. Do you believe that it's been the best week of your career?

DANIEL MERIDA: I had other good weeks, like the one in Bucharest where I reached the final. I am happy with the level that I showed during this week. It's my first time playing here, and I am really proud of myself. I am leaving with a good feeling, and I am excited for the next tournament. I am leaving with the feeling that I am able to compete at this level.

Q. How was the game for you today?

DANIEL MERIDA: It's been a difficult day. I didn't feel very well. He played well also, but the truth is that I only think that I will have a rest and prepare for the next tournament as best as possible. I am happy in general terms with the week.

Q. Does the heat affect you?

DANIEL MERIDA: The warmth doesn't affect me. I think the issue is his game. He played well, and I didn't find myself during the match. I believe that was the problem.

Q. You've had one of the best weeks in your career, how do you feel?

DANIEL MERIDA: When I arrived at quallies, I knew I had the level to play here, but didn't expect to compete at such a high level during so many games. I say good-bye, happy of being able to compete here and excited about playing in Rome next week. I will try to compete again at the same level.

Q. When you were at 4-4, what did you notice? When did the game change?

DANIEL MERIDA: I started playing well. I had break points in the first game at the return, in the second return, and the truth is that I saved a few playing really good serves, but happy to have options and being able to compete, despite I am not at my 100 percent and I didn't have my best. Now I need to recover and improve, looking ahead to the next tournament.

Q. What have you learned after this good month for you?

DANIEL MERIDA: What I learned about my game is that I can compete in this tournament against players like Stefanos. His ranking is lower now, but he was ranked No. 3-4, and he won a Masters 1000. I need to improve physically and technically, and overall improve in these kinds of moments that I am not used to. Playing with the crowd, with full stands, and so many people, that's the biggest learning for next time.

Q. How does a week like this help you in terms of ranking and points?

DANIEL MERIDA: This will help me a lot for the ranking. Next week I think I will be among the 100 best players, so that's a dream to me. It will be helpful in Wimbledon and the Grand Slams because it allows me to play in the main draw. I expect to still be playing at this level, and more weeks like this are about to come.

Q. What do you have coming up?

DANIEL MERIDA: Next week I am going to Rome, then to Roland Garros, and then we will see, depending on how those tournaments go, so we can plan the next months.