'I understand why Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem are skipping Miami,' said Goffin

Three out of the top-6 players from the ATP ranking list have already withdrawn from the season's first Masters 1000 tournament that starts in Miami on March 24.

Rafael Nadal and Dominik Thiem are among those, opting to skip a long trip just for one tournament and remain on the practice court ahead of the clay swing that starts in April. Speaking about his rivals, David Goffin said that he completely understands the decision to skip Miami, especially in the current conditions. Goffin understands how vital the clay swing is for both Rafa and Dominic, as they want to prepare well for their favorite surface.

The Belgian will travel to Miami in a couple of days, saying he can't miss the Masters 1000 event, especially not after an early Dubai loss to Kei Nishikori. Never fancying fast conditions, Goffin got broken four times and suffered a straight-set loss despite a tight battle in set number two.

"Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem are already thinking about clay, which is their most significant goal of the year. I understand their decision. A 19-hour flight for just one tournament, it's complicated. But I will play in Miami, it's still the Masters 1000, and you have to be there.

I know now why I didn't come to Dubai in the past because it's very tough; the conditions are so fast, and it's not easy for my game, especially when you play against Kei," David Goffin said.