Michael van Gerwen, the celebrated darts player from the Netherlands, has announced the end of his marriage to wife Daphne Govers, bringing their 11-year union to a close. The news comes as the 36-year-old sportsman withdrew from upcoming darts competitions, citing the need for personal time in the wake of this significant life event.
Van Gerwen, widely recognised as one of the top figures in the darts world, delivered the announcement in a public statement released on Friday. He addressed his supporters and the broader sporting community with heartfelt words, seeking understanding and privacy during what he described as a “difficult time”. This development also affected the Dutch Darts Championship scheduled for the weekend, where Van Gerwen was set to compete against Mickey Mansell in the first round. With his withdrawal, Mansell advanced automatically to the next stage.
“It is with great sadness that I announce Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship,” Van Gerwen stated. He went on to explain his decision to step back from immediate sporting commitments, acknowledging the disappointment fans may feel but urging them to respect his need for personal space. He added, “We are facing a difficult period and hope everyone will respect our privacy.”
The couple’s relationship traces back to 2008, when they first began dating. In 2014, they were married and subsequently welcomed two children, Zoe and Mike, into their family. The split brings an end to more than a decade together and has prompted an outpouring of support from the darts community and fans alike.
This announcement follows a recent Premier League Darts match, where Van Gerwen’s demeanour drew attention from both viewers and fellow competitors. In a pivotal quarter-final clash in Sheffield, Van Gerwen was defeated 6-2 by Nathan Aspinall. The victory secured Aspinall’s place in the finals, but the focus turned to Van Gerwen’s apparent lack of his usual fighting spirit on stage.
Reflecting on the match, Aspinall remarked on the evident emotional weight Van Gerwen carried. He told Sky Sports, “There was a lot of emotion after walking off stage. I had to remove myself for a moment. I’ve spoken very highly of Michael all week, but tonight, something seemed off.” Aspinall went on to note that Van Gerwen “didn’t look himself” and even suggested that, on that night, “he was giving up” as the match progressed.
Close associates within the sport have also commented on Van Gerwen’s visible struggles. Vincent van der Voort, a longstanding friend and competitor, spoke to Dutch media about the champion’s performance. Van der Voort expressed concern, noting, “I don’t see someone who wants to win at all costs. The likes of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are not necessarily better, but currently, they are performing with more conviction. Michael should not simply accept that.”
Van Gerwen’s absence from the remaining fixtures grants a clear path for other competitors, with Aspinall now due to face Humphries at the O2 Arena on Finals Night, and Littler set to take on Gerwyn Price. This shake-up could alter the dynamics of the tournament, with one of its prominent faces temporarily stepping away from competition.
In the sporting world, personal challenges often play out in the public eye, and Van Gerwen’s situation is no exception. The intersection of professional commitment and personal upheaval can test even the most seasoned athletes. As Van Gerwen takes time to focus on his family and well-being, he’s sure to have the support of many, both within the sport and beyond.
For now, the darts community waits in solidarity, hopeful that the Dutchman will find his feet again, both on and off the stage. As the tournament continues, fans and fellow players have expressed their best wishes to Van Gerwen and his family during this emotional chapter.