Fallon Sherrock Eyes Darts Break in 2026 to Tackle Health Challenges
Fallon Sherrock, the pioneering darts sensation known as the “Queen of the Palace,” has revealed plans for a potential break from professional darts in 2026 to focus on her ongoing health issues. The 30-year-old, who broke barriers as the first woman to win matches at the PDC World Darts Championship in 2019, opened up about her struggle with a chronic kidney condition, admitting, “I just need to get myself well again.” As she prepares for the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts and a crucial World Championship clash against Ryan Meikle on December 17, 2025, Sherrock’s determination to end the year strong underscores her resilience.
A Battle Beyond the Oche
Sherrock’s health challenges stem from a kidney condition diagnosed in 2014, shortly after the birth of her son, Rory. With her kidneys operating at just 23% capacity, she faces the constant threat of dialysis if they drop to 15%. Her daily regimen includes calcium and sodium tablets, weekly self-administered injections, and blood transfusions every six months. “If you saw how much water I drink every day, I probably drink more than I should, but I don’t think people realize how tired I get,” she said at an exhibition event in Leicester. The fatigue is profound, often leaving her “wiped out for a week” after intense periods, severely limiting her ability to practice. “All I want to do is practice at home for a couple of hours a day, and I can’t do that at the moment,” she confessed.
The condition has forced Sherrock to withdraw from recent exhibitions due to low stamina. “I’ve had to pull out of some exhibitions because I haven’t had the stamina,” she shared. “It hurts because I love darts.” Yet, her resolve remains unshaken, as she declared, “Once I’m well, I feel the sky is the limit because I know what I need to do.”
Planning a 2026 Hiatus
Sherrock hinted at taking a step back next year to prioritize recovery, stating, “I feel like if I’m going to have a year out next year, I want to try and make a bang this year.” Her immediate focus is on the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts and the PDC World Championship, where a first-round win over Meikle could set up a blockbuster second-round match against Luke Littler. “My main objective this year is the Worlds,” she said. “I want to try for the Grand Slam, cause I want to make it and say that I made it.” This drive to end 2025 on a high reflects her ambition to cement her legacy before a potential break.
A Mixed 2025 and Unwavering Spirit
Sherrock’s 2025 season has been a tale of triumphs and setbacks. She clinched three Women’s Series titles, showcasing her skill, but fell short at Q-School, losing in the last-32 and missing a PDC Tour Card. A 4-1 defeat to Neuza Araujo cost her a Grand Slam spot, and last year’s World Championship first-round loss to Meikle, where she was “poorly,” highlighted her health struggles. Still, her 2019 wins over Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic, a televised nine-darter, and 2022 Women’s World Matchplay title keep her among darts’ elite. Her low-key World Championship prep—“I can go under the radar,” she noted—lets her channel energy into performance.
Parallels in the Sports World
Sherrock’s health-driven crossroads resonate with other athletes’ battles. Like Alex de Minaur’s push for ATP’s scheduling reform to combat burnout, Gerwyn Price’s redemption after his 2018 controversy, or Luke Littler’s bold darts tweak, Sherrock’s planned break reflects a strategic pause. A potential Littler clash mirrors Alexander Zverev’s high-stakes moments, while Jack Grealish’s career reset and Emma Raducanu’s adaptation echo her resolve to return stronger.
Conclusion
Fallon Sherrock’s hint at a 2026 darts break to address her kidney condition, saying, “I need to get myself well again,” underscores her fight beyond the oche. Targeting a strong Grand Slam and World Championship, where she faces Meikle and possibly Littler, she aims to shine in 2025. Despite fatigue and setbacks, her spirit mirrors de Minaur, Price, Littler, Zverev, Grealish, and Raducanu. Sherrock’s journey promises a triumphant return. Catch her World Championship match live on Sky Sports
