Carlos Alcaraz defeated Lucas Pouille 3–6, 6–2, 6–2 in the first round of the ATP 250 event in Umag on clay on 20 July 2021. The result confirmed pre-match expectations, with Alcaraz the heavy favourite at 1.25 odds against Pouille's 4.39. After dropping the opening set, Alcaraz reasserted control with consecutive commanding performances in the second and third sets, demonstrating the consistency that has defined his early career trajectory. The Spanish teenager's ability to recover from an early deficit and impose his baseline game on clay underscored his growing credentials on the surface. The victory maintained Alcaraz's momentum in his pursuit of further tournament success.