"Come on. I wasn’t born yesterday": Michael van Gerwen laments press turning up at his door after divorce

Michael van Gerwen is back under the lights after an emotional few weeks away from the sport. The Dutchman makes his return this weekend at the US Darts Masters in New York — his first appearance since publicly confirming his separation from his now ex-wife, Daphne.

Speaking openly from his hotel in Manhattan, the three-time world champion offered candid reflections on a period that has been as personally taxing as it was unexpected.

Asked how he’s coping, Van Gerwen remained composed. “It’s going how it’s going,” he told AD.nl. “If I wasn’t doing okay, I wouldn’t be here. Although it’s bittersweet. On one hand, there’s still a lot on my mind. On the other, it’s good to have something else to focus on for a bit. But my children always come first — and I want to give them the best future I can. You can’t do that by sitting on the sofa at home.”

Just over four weeks ago, Van Gerwen stunned the darts world with news of his split, announced shortly after the final Premier League night in Sheffield — an evening that also marked just the second time he has ever missed out on the playoffs. The Vlijmen native then stepped away from the spotlight entirely, taking a month off to prioritise his family and personal affairs.

Now, on American soil, the comeback begins — though Van Gerwen admits it’s taken some adjusting. “Like I said, it’s bittersweet. I’m used to being away a lot, but I really valued the time with my kids. This is something new again, and if I’m honest, it’s still strange. I’ve had a dart in my hand here and there over the past few weeks, but not much.”

The past month has been filled with logistics, tough conversations, and forward planning. Above all, he’s focused on his most important role: being a father to his daughter Zoë (7) and son Mike (5). “There’s a bit of paperwork involved,” he says with a smile. “It’s been a hectic few weeks. I love darts, but there’s one thing I love more — and that’s my children. There’s so much to take care of. It’s not something you can just snap your fingers and sort out. You try to juggle everything at once. I’ve got good people around me, but some things you’ve just got to handle yourself.”

While navigating the emotional fallout privately, Van Gerwen also had to face an unwelcome public spotlight. His appeal for privacy wasn’t respected by all quarters of the media.

He didn’t hold back when recalling how RTL Boulevard turned up at his doorstep unannounced. “Shameless,” he said. “That’s the flip side of all this. It’s disappointing. It shows a lack of heart. Then they say, ‘We were just in the area.’ Come on. I wasn’t born yesterday. It’s unnecessary. They could’ve just rung Dave Allen [PDC press officer].”

Despite the disruption, Van Gerwen is keen to reset, refocus, and move forward — with both his mindset and appearance getting a refresh. “I’ve lost eight kilos and had my braces removed,” he revealed. “I want to get fitter. If you’re busy dealing with things anyway, you might as well tackle everything, right? And I can still lose more, but I’m doing it Michael-style — nice and easy.”