[Lugburz]

Originally Posted by TennisFan2012

I think the ATP does not recognize "I'm really tired or feeling the need to train or stay at home rather than play/travel" as a legitimate reason not to play in a Masters' series event (maybe not for some other events). So players have to identify an "injury" even if they really are not injured. That makes it hard to know whether Tommy's back really is bothering him or he is just resting up.

He was clearly bothered by something in a match vs Berankis. He was too far away from his best, so I guess small back problem is understandable.
Being 35 years old and all, it's a wise decision to skip MC, considering it is on his least surface after all.
The only reason he played so many clay events last year is so he could be back in his country and spend some time with his family 'cause he probably thought it could be his last season on tour.

Considering his age and his really tight schedule (even playing in doubles every tour) resting up because of some minor pain problems is pretty reasonable to me.

[Mae]

A back problem would seem logical to me. I think Tommy has overplayed recently with playing both Doubles and Singles in several recent Tournaments!