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.
"My aunt is not feeling well health-wise and I don't know how much longer I have her in my life," he said.
The 26-year-old recovered well to win three games in a row, but he continued to falter on serve and Sinner capitalised to take the opener and subdue the expectant mood on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"If there was a wish I could make, I would wish good health on everyone but unfortunately it's not possible."
A mediados por semanada ya calentaron el ambiente con el despliegue de una gigantesca lona en Madrid, donde podía apreciarse la silueta por un jugador encapuchado. El secreto ha sido desvelado y, sin duda, pelo ha dejado a los aficionados indiferentes.
Refusing to dwell on the first set, Fritz improved and made the second a closer affair, losing just two points in four service games.
It was more straightforward in New York as he rarely looked troubled by Fritz, who struggled to build any momentum.
England interim boss Lee Carsley says their win over the Republic of Ireland has boosted his confidence - admitting he had doubts about his ability to do the job.
A world champion cyclist has swapped the velodrome for the cramped deck of the fastest yacht in the world. Why?
A world champion cyclist has swapped the velodrome for the cramped deck of the fastest yacht in the world. Why?
"It's nice I can still share these moments with her. She is an important person in my life and still is.
Tom Hanks stars in an intense thriller based on true events. VideoTom Hanks stars in an intense thriller based on true events
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.
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It marks a new era of tennis as 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic, who was knocked out in the third round, ends the year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017.
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 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's stepped up a role and I feel like he's taking everything as seriously as he can and fair play to 星空体育app him, that shows he wants to stay."
"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.