Overview

• Van Gerwen has played only four PDC matches in the last six weeks after withdrawing from the European Tour event in Kiel to prioritize training and rest.
• In May he announced his separation from wife Daphne following eleven years of marriage, compounding his on- and off-stage struggles.
• The three-time world champion has tumbled to 27th in the PDC rankings, removing him from title-contender status at the upcoming World Matchplay.
• Vincent van der Voort warned that van Gerwen appears “like a shadow of himself” and “like a walking corpse,” expressing deep concern over his diminished presence.
• He faces compatriot Raymond van Barneveld in the first round of the World Matchplay in Blackpool on July 19, marking a key test of his recovery.