"I'm back to myself": Van Gerwen refreshed after time off and ready for Grand Slam of Darts title tilt

Michael van Gerwen produced an average of just over 101 in a 5-2 win over Nathan Rafferty to open up his Grand Slam of Darts campaign, a tournament which he hasn't won since 2017.

But for Van Gerwen, he is feeling refreshed ahead of the back end of the year after some much needed time off with his family and going on holiday.

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"Over 100 average is always nice but more importantly you win the first one. Get the first one out the way and it always give you a bit of confidence ahead of the next one. Still a long way to go and everyone knows how hard this tournament is to win," said Van Gerwen to Online Darts.

"I feel good, I was enjoying myself and that's really important. Lately I've been taking some time off, I'm back to myself. Enjoyed some family time, me and wife went to Rome together, it was a phenomenal trip and sometimes you have to do that because I've been playing this game for a long time and the pressure on your shoulders constantly, it takes it's toll."

"From now on, you can also get your energy levels back and make sure you do well in the next tournaments."

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The schedule is often discussed with players seen as jaded and tired but for Van Gerwen, he feels in a privileged position as a top player that he can pick and choose as evidenced by recent ProTours with MVG taking that time off to refresh.

"That means a lot of people can earn a living, for us players we can pick and choose if you're good in the rankings. If not, you have to play the tournaments. It is how it is. How better you do, the more days you can take off. It's as simple as that."