I figured the back problems would disappear after starting competition again and being in Rio for a week.
evidently the back issue is still hounding him. he said he did not serve for 10 days after Rio.
this is not good. risk is just staggering at the moment for being on the hard courts. that is what caused the back issue to begin with.
bottom line: I wont feel better until he is in monte carlo now.
got to get off the hard courts asap and go let the back heal. and also it is best to get on the red clay as soon as possible. clay is a forgiving surface.
it will help the back and the knees.
of course we will cheer for him but I think losing early at indian wells and then again in Miami would be a blessing right now.
I saw that match last night. he looks very shaky and unsure of himself out there. the balls were landing way too short and he could not put much on the return.