The German fell short in the final on Sunday, but will not have to worry about the presence of victor Ben Mitchell this week.

Unseeded Fanselow had made a statement in the quarter-finals, toppling American No 1 seed Connor Smith in a three-setter in bizarre circumstances.

However, after holding a second set break against Mitchell, he conceded five straight games to lose the final 6-1, 6-4.

When the $15,000 Beaton Park event, which is split into two tournaments, resumes on Tuesday, Mitchell will be preparing to fly to Japan to play a Challenger tournament.

It will leave Smith, New Zealand Jose Statham and Fanselow among the favourites to take from the Wollongong prize pool.

“It’s a pretty strong Futures (tournament),” Mitchell said after claiming the trophy on Sunday.

“The Aussie Futures are getting to be the strongest in the world.

“I was looking through the future list (Saturday) night and I don’t think there’s any stronger than this one.

“It’s a tough week and even though I didn’t drop a set, there were some tough matches."

Mitchell’s triumph held extra significance, with family watching on.

It was the first time his father Chris had seen him play in 12 months, such is the demands of the international circuit.

The Wollongong International victory is Mitchell’s 10^th career title and second in a row after winning at the Canberra Challenger event last week.

Fanselow had made the final by beating Connor Smith, who will be the No 1 seed again this week.

Smith had won the first set 7-5, but in extraordinary fashion Fanselow hit back, taking out the match 6-0, 6-0.

Fanselow is ranked at 628 in the world, with Smith the highest ranked player at the Wollongong event at 238.

Of the other contenders, Statham, at No 293, was knocked out in the semi-finals by Mitchell. 

Statham played in the 2014 Wollongong International final, losing 6-4, 7-5 to American Jarmere Jenkins.

Czech Robin Stanek, who beat Fanselow in Canberra last week, but bowed out in the quarters in Wollongong, will also be involved in this week’s tournament, as will American Marcos Giron and Thirroul’s Blake Mott.

Mitchell is hoping to gain a wildcard to the Australian Open, the third time he will have played at a grand slam. He is also chasing a place at the Brisbane International in January in the lead-up.