Rafael Nadal has decided not to play in the Miami Masters 1000 due to back pain, in order to save himself for the clay court season and the French Open. David Goffin fully endorsed this decision.

While playing the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal suffered a minor back injury. In order not to take any risks and to be ready for the clay court season, and more specifically for the French Open, the world number 3 decided not to participate in the Masters 1000 in Miami. "I'm sad to announce that I won't be playing in Miami, a city I love. I need to fully recover and prepare for the clay court season in Europe. A special message to my fans in the United States and especially to the great Spanish-speaking community in Florida who have always been very supportive! I've always had great support from them," Rafael Nadal posted on his Twitter account on Tuesday.

Like Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem has decided to skip the Miami Masters 1000. Asked about the two men's absence in Florida, David Goffin said he understood their choice. "Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem are already thinking about clay, which is their biggest goal of the year. I understand their decision," the Belgian said in a statement reported by We Love Tennis.