Dani Mérida continues to write one of the most compelling stories of the Mutua Madrid Open 2026. The Spaniard defeated Corentin Moutet in the second round in a high-voltage match, marked by both the level on the court and the atmosphere on Court 3 of the Caja Mágica, fully engaged.
Coming from the qualifying rounds, Mérida now has four consecutive victories in the tournament, confirming the great form he is in. In a match with moments of tension, especially with the enthusiastic crowd, the Spaniard managed to remain calm and pull through a demanding match. In the third round, he will face the winner of the match between Alexander Bublik and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Atmosphere on Court 3 of the Caja Mágica
“Obviously, I am playing very well on that court. I have no preference; I don't mind playing on the main court, Court 2, or Court 3. I will try to give my best on any of them, but I feel very comfortable playing here in Madrid and hope the next match will be the same”.
The support from the crowd
“I knew at some point the match was going to go that way with the crowd. I had discussed it with my team, so I was expecting it. It didn't affect me much because I knew it was going to happen, although it's tough in the moment. I think I managed it well, I stayed calm and focused on myself, and that's why it didn't affect me much. The crowd is helping me a lot. When I feel like I can't go on, having them cheering and supporting from the outside makes a huge difference. It's an incredible help and motivates me to keep fighting when I feel I can't go on”.
Match against Moutet
“At the beginning, I was as nervous as always. Then, with the support of the crowd and starting the match well, you loosen up a bit. Today, I was more relaxed than in the first round, and I hope to continue improving in that aspect. In the second set, I noticed that he had changed things and was causing me more trouble, so I talked to my coach and tried to correct and see what I could do better to get back to the level of the first set”.
Reaching the next level
“I think I had the level, but I was lacking matches like this, competing against these players throughout the match. This year, I have started to play more matches of this level, and from the first one, I felt I could compete. Now I believe I have the level to do it against anyone. I try to focus on myself. I knew I could earn my place based on my level, and that's how it has been. It all depends on me”.
Next challenge: Bublik or Tsitsipas
“I don't have a clear preference. It depends more on how I am that day. If I play at 100% and set my pace, I think I can compete against any style”.
Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale Mérida: "Creo que tengo nivel para competir contra cualquiera"

