"Poor hamster has to work more for the same money": Kasatkina weighs in on increase to two weeks for Masters tournaments

The Madrid Open and the Rome Masters this year will feature extended formats which is something that is set to come to most events out of the 1000 category.

It's something that has been framed as positive for the players as it will allow them more rest days which will impact fatigue and injuries. Some players like it with Sabalenka explaining that she enjoys the longer format because it gives you more time to prepare for each match which is a positive.

Some players like Swiatek and Murray are a bit more neutral on it as they both point out that it lengthens the event which means that players have more time on the road and less free time. Daria Kasatkina doesn't seem like a fan either. She used an interesting way to describe her opinion on the new formats saying:

“It affects the payment of the hamster. Poor hamster has to work more for the same money. Poor hamster.”

Yes, the event is longer which means that the cost is higher but the prize money is not. It's not likely that the tennis tours will reverse their decision though so it's something players will have to come to terms with.