Hubert Hurkacz defeated Lucas Pouille 6–2, 6–3 in the first round of the ATP 250 Metz tournament on hard court on 23 September 2021. As the pre-match favourite with odds of 1.41, Hurkacz delivered an expected victory, dispatching the French opponent in straight sets with a commanding display. Pouille, who entered at 3.14 odds, was unable to mount a sustained challenge against the Polish player's superior court control. The decisive margin and swift progression underlined Hurkacz's form heading into the latter stages of the European hard-court swing.