(VIDEO) "Was it racist? Yes. Did they do something about it? Not much" - Marco Trungelliti claps back at Spanish crowd after experiencing racist abuse in defeat to Merida

Marco Trungelitti was on the receiving end of a partisan crowd passionately cheering on Daniel Merida in the opening round of the Madrid Open. The Spaniard would go on to win the match 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(6) after Trungelliti missed match points. After the match, he took to social media to share his thoughts on the crowd, unveiling racist abuse he received.

There was a sense of deja-vu when the pair met on court. Only recently they had clashed to qualify for the tournament. Merida had won that match in straight sets, gaining him automatic qualification. Trungelliti has to be patient and wait for an opening. It came, and he was put into only his second Masters 1000 tournament main draw. The first coming all the way back at Indian Wells in 2016.

He was desperate to get a first win on the board at this level. He had already achieved so much in recent time, becoming the oldest player to debut in the top 100 in the world after making it to the final of the Grand Prix Hassan II, losing out to the talented Rafael Jodar. It would be another Spanish player in his way, and a similar outcome in the Spanish capital.

Merida nabbed an early break before being clawed back by his opponent. Trungelliti stayed in touch with his opponent before sinking 0-40 behind. He saved two break points but Merida managed to confirm a hugely pivotal break. Straight after, he served the set out and took an imperious lead.

Back came Trungelliti. The 36-year-old stormed into a 4-0 lead, converting two out of two break points. Things go tricky from there. He saved a trio of break points before failing to take three match points on Merida's serve. He survived another break point ahead of getting the match all square. A third set was in store, and it was clear whose side the Spanish fans were on.

The third set would go to 5-5, tightly poised for a blockbuster ending. Trungelliti looked to have the final laugh after he broke the 21-year-old to love. However, two missed match points would prove to be costly. Merida mustered up a break point and forced a tiebreak for the match. He was carrying the momentum and soared into a 6-2 lead. Four match points came and went with his chance seemingly disappeared. However, two points later he was celebrating along with the fans on Stadium 3 after securing his first Masters 1000 win.

An angry Trungelliti did not appear in the mix zone after the match, storming away from the facilities after enduring a torrid time on court. Missing those match points would have hurt a lot, but also the reception he got from the crowd was a tough one for him to take. At one point in the match, he starred on into the crowd as fans jeered and whistled at him. He shouted something back at them as the calls of 'Merida' echoed around the stadium.

On Instagram, Trungelliti shared a message touching on the atmosphere. "To finish with last night's matter. Was it shameful? Yes. Was it racist? Yes. Disrespect from the start? Yes. Did they do something about it? Not much. Do I care? No"

Trungelliti will look towards confirming a spot in the Rome Open ahead of a highly anticipated return to Grand Slam action at Roland Garros. For Merida, he still has work to do in this tournament. An intriguing tie against the flamboyant Corentin Moutet awaits him in the second round.