"If there is a tournament or an exhibition to play, she says do everything": Danny Noppert even finds it had to take holiday with support in darting dream

Danny Noppert’s name is back in the world’s top ten. For the Frisian, it confirms his consistent level, though the hunger for more is still very much there. During the Belgian Darts Open two weeks ago, he spoke candidly about his performances, his life as a pro, and the goals he continues to set for himself.

Noppert is pleased with his current position, but he sets the bar higher. “Yeah, of course I want to be back in the top eight again, but top 10 is, of course, a good result,” he said as per Tungsten Tales. “I’m really happy with my performance today.”

It typifies the down-to-earth Dutchman: satisfied without becoming complacent. His performances are steady, his ranking solid, but the ambition remains to mix it with the absolute elite once more.

Notably, Noppert views the busy darts schedule differently. While many players complain about a packed calendar, he puts it into perspective. “I think if I play Premier League then I can say it’s a busy schedule,” he explains. “So for me it’s okay now. Last week we played a tournament, this weekend we played a tournament, so I have a lot of time at home.”

That balance keeps him fresh, mentally and physically. “It’s not that busy, but I enjoy everything, every moment, so that’s most important. If you enjoy every moment in darts, then yeah.” The joy in the game underpins Noppert’s performances. No forced peaks, but a steady curve in which he feels comfortable.

The life of a professional darter means traveling, training, and performing—often far from home. For Noppert, it has become second nature and as a result even going on holiday to Gran Canaria and missing tournaments later in the year is very much going to be strange. “It’s my lifestyle,” he says. “The most important thing is that my family is behind me. They support me really well.”

That support comes especially from his partner, who gives him all the space to pursue his career. “If I ask my girlfriend if there is a tournament or an exhibition to play, she says do everything. She’s really behind me.”

With two young children at home, that trust is essential. “She gives me the confidence that I need.” It shows that success on stage often begins away from the spotlight, in the stability of home.

Although Noppert has already built an impressive résumé, one specific prize is still missing: a title on the European Tour. “Of course I won Pro Tours before and I won a major,” he says. “The European Tour — once, maybe more — but it’s on my bucket list.”

The recent breakthrough of Wessel Nijman at that level shows that it’s certainly possible for Dutch players to strike there. For Noppert, that serves as extra motivation. “Hopefully I will do it and if I play like this, what I did today, then everything is possible. It’s on my list.”

He is back in action like many this weekend at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich.