Phil Taylor blames Michael van Gerwen’s dramatic darts slump on painful divorce from wife Daphne

Phil Taylor believes major lifestyle shifts and ongoing health concerns are behind Michael van Gerwen’s noticeable dip in form.

Van Gerwen hasn’t lifted a ranked major title since the Players Championship Finals in 2022 — a significant fall from the dominance he once enjoyed. With a large amount of prize money to defend from deep runs at both the PDC World Darts Championship and the World Matchplay, his ranking could take a serious hit, potentially dropping as low as 20th after the 2026–27 season.

Taylor, a 16-time world champion, says Van Gerwen’s focus has been affected by personal and physical challenges — including his recent divorce and injury issues.

Speaking on the Double Tops Podcast, he explained: “He’s had a big change in his life, with his marriage splitting up and things like that.

“At the moment, he’s like a single parent — he’s got children to look after, cook, clean, and handle responsibilities he didn’t have before. He says he enjoys it, but it’s a big adjustment.

“It also makes travelling harder, so naturally his mind is on other things.”

Taylor pointed out that during his peak years, Van Gerwen was completely locked in.

“When he was at the top, he was one-track minded. He practised relentlessly and did everything right. Now his lifestyle has shifted a bit — though I’m sure he’ll adapt.

“The question is whether he can reach that same level again.”

He also highlighted Van Gerwen’s physical struggles, including issues with his wrist and jaw, as further setbacks.

Looking ahead, Taylor doesn’t expect the Dutchman to dominate the sport in the same ruthless way again — though he still sees success in his future.

“I think with Michael — and even someone like Luke Humphries — they’ll still win tournaments, just not as frequently as before.

“They’re getting a bit older. Still competitive, but not quite at that peak level all the time.

“When I was nearing the end of my career, I wasn’t winning everything either, but I could still target certain events. For me, the Matchplay was always special.

“I used to put pressure on players there. I even had little goals — like wanting to finish on double 17 at the Worlds.

“At the Matchplay, I ended up finishing on double 16 for my 16th title. Those moments stay with you.”