But Sinner soon quashed those dreams, breaking back as Fritz attempted to serve for the set and doing the same two games later to wrap up the win after two hours and 16 minutes.
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.
"He's stepped up a role and I feel like he's taking everything as seriously as he can and fair play to him, that shows he wants to stay."
He subsequently parted ways with the physio and his fitness trainer - but questions continued about whether Sinner's case had been handled differently to those of other players because of his world number one status.
Este é igualmente este ano do 4k: a SPORT TV foi este primeiro canal português a transmitir 1 evento desportivo, a final da Champions entre este Real Madrid e este Atlfoitico Madrid, 米兰体育app usando a tecnologia do 4k, de que permite aumentar em quatro vezes a capacidade da imagem. O presente primeiro passo em 2016 confirmou uma aposta permanente em 2017, usando o início das emissões regulares em 4k.
Tom Hanks stars in an intense thriller based on true events. VideoTom Hanks stars in an intense thriller based on true events
Just six days before the main draw got under way, it was announced he had twice tested positive for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol - a steroid that can be used to build muscle mass - in March.
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
is a senior sports writer at Sport24, based in Johannesburg. He's been reporting on national sports for the past decade.
A world champion cyclist has swapped the velodrome for the cramped deck of the fastest yacht in the world. Why?
He was not at the peak of his powers for the entire two weeks, but still only dropped two sets and saved his best for the final.
Cheered on by a home crowd packed with celebrities and sporting stars, Fritz got off to a shaky start when he dropped serve in the first game.