Novak Djokovic is the "strongest" of the Big 3 but also the "least loved," says Fabio Fognini

Italian tennis star Fabio Fognini believes Novak Djokovic is the "strongest" but also the "least loved" among the Big 3. Fognini's comments on the subject came right on the heels of Djokovic's historic Australian Open title.

The Serb won the 2023 Australian Open to equal Rafael Nadal's record tally of 22 Grand Slam titles, a year after his infamous deportation from Australia. He defeated Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the final at Melbourne Park on January 29.

It was Djokovic's 10th Australian Open title, and the 35-year-old also regained the World No. 1 ranking with the victory. He now has a chance to break Steffi Graf's record of being at the top of the rankings for 377 weeks.

Following Djokovic's win, in an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Fabio Fognini was asked about his thoughts on the GOAT debate. The Italian replied that Djokovic was the "strongest" of the Big 3, a group comprised of the Serb and his two main rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"Nole is the strongest and the numbers prove it, but he is also the least loved of the big 3. It is difficult to find a suitable adjective for him. Last year he did not play two Slams and four Masters 1000, but still managed to qualify for the ATP Finals," Fognini said.

Fognini added that Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal "monopolized" the circuit and wrote the "history" of tennis.

"After everything that happened last year in Melbourne, Nole came back and made his mark. He, Roger and Rafa monopolized the circuit and wrote the history of this sport," the Italian said.

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"I am motivated to win as many Grand Slams as possible" - Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic talked about his hopes of winning as many Grand Slam titles as possible in a post-match press conference following his win in Melbourne. Djokovic stated that trophies were his "biggest motivational factor" at this stage of his career.

"Of course I am motivated to win as many slams as possible. At this stage of my career, these trophies are the biggest motivational factor of why I still compete. That's the case without a doubt," he said.

The Serb added that if he was mentally and physically fit on the tennis court, he could win any Major against anyone.

"I still have lots of motivation. Let's see how far it takes me. I really don't want to stop here. I don't have intention to stop here. I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I'm feeling good physically, mentally present, I have a chance to win any slam against anybody," he said.