A swing at something new: Michael van Gerwen tries padel as he navigates new chapter of his life

Michael van Gerwen has endured a turbulent spell in recent months, both professionally and personally. But the three-time world champion, long regarded as one of the sport’s elite, appears to be finding a sense of calm as he navigates a new chapter in his life — one that now includes an unexpected hobby: padel.

Back in May, Van Gerwen publicly announced his separation from wife Daphne, prompting a brief hiatus from competitive darts. “Mighty Mike” took a month away from the circuit, sitting out several events as he recalibrated. Since his return, however, he’s yet to rediscover his top form, with underwhelming performances in his first two tournaments back.

Still, there are signs of renewal. Van Gerwen recently appeared without the braces he’d been wearing following a medical procedure in 2024. More noticeably, he debuted a revamped look — trading his trademark lime green shirt for a sleek black jersey, a possible symbol of a fresh start. He has also shed a noticeable amount of weight.

In a further twist, Van Gerwen has taken up padel — a racquet sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. “My first padel game,” he posted on his Instagram Story, with a typically understated caption: “Kind of fun.” In a follow-up clip, he’s seen testing his racket skills near the glass walls of the court, lifting a ball with the side of his unusually thick paddle.

Van Gerwen’s return to the oche won’t be short on drama. He faces none other than Raymond van Barneveld in the opening round of the World Matchplay — a mouth-watering clash between the two most decorated Dutch darting icons. Van Gerwen, a three-time World Matchplay champion and PDC world champion, will meet Van Barneveld, the five-time world champion who built his legacy in the BDO before making his mark in the PDC.

While Van Gerwen has lifted the Matchplay trophy three times, Van Barneveld has never managed to win the prestigious Blackpool event — yet the draw has teed up a showdown that promises fireworks and nostalgia in equal measure.