"My aunt is not feeling well health-wise and I don't know how much longer I have her in my life," he said.
He is 23-years-old and Alcaraz just 21. They ended up sharing the year’s Grand Slam titles, and - with an eye to the future - that is an ominous thought for the rest of the world.
"I know we have been waiting for a champion for a long time so I'm sorry I couldn't get it done this time," said Fritz.
Sinner said the title "meant so much because the last period of my career was not easy" before he became tearful and dedicated the victory to his aunt.
"It's nice I can still share these moments with her. She is an important person in my life and still is.
Sinner was ruled to bear no fault or negligence for the positive tests by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which found he had been inadvertently contaminated by his physiotherapist.
But he has seemingly been able to put the controversy behind him, manoeuvring his way through tough tests against Britain's Jack Draper and 2021 champion Medvedev.
Tom Hanks stars in an intense thriller based on true events. VideoTom Hanks stars in an intense thriller based on true events
However, Sinner then underlined his status as world number one, upping the ante when it mattered most to strike the crucial blow as Fritz served to stay in the set at 5-4 down.
Young Proteas seamer Kwena Maphaka is pleased with the plans in place to help him develop into a competitive bowler in all three formats of the game. 04 Sep
Get the Sport Report every Thursday to stay up to speed with everything you need to know in the world of sport. Get the newsletter
A world champion cyclist has swapped the velodrome for the cramped deck of the fastest yacht in 米兰体育官网 the world. Why?
Having failed to make the most of three break point opportunities early in the third set, Fritz brought the crowd to life with two brilliant winners to break for a 4-3 lead and keep alive his hopes.
Andy Roddick, who was watching from the stands, remains the last American man to lift a major singles trophy, having won the US Open in 2003.