Van Gerwen realistic with 2022 goals: "I won't win 25 tournaments in one year"

At the end of December the World Darts Championship came to a painful end for Michael van Gerwen. Due to a COVID-19 infection Mighty Mike was forced to withdraw from the tournament.

After the mandatory quarantine period, Van Gerwen left with his family for Curaçao to have a holiday. Yet he did not completely abandon his darts. His sponsor Winmau sent a dartboard, so he could still complete practice.

The new season starts for Van Gerwen on Saturday night at the Masters, the tournament he won five times in a row from 2015 to 2019. He is in limbo about his form at the moment.

"That is difficult to assess. During the tournament we will check it out and then we will take it from there. If you win, you set the tone of course. But it is not like the rest of my year depends on it. It is not that important. It's a nice tournament, where you absolutely want to start well'', says Van Gerwen in conversation with the AD.

After two disappointing seasons, Van Gerwen is currently third in the Order of Merit. Last year Mighty Mike only won two tournaments, this year he needs to win more.

"In the end I have to perform again. But I'm also realistic, like in the past, I won't win 25 tournaments in one year. I am and remain a favourite for the tournaments, I know that. It just doesn't always come out. But I am still keen on winning titles," concluded the Dutchman.