TAYLOR LIFTS LID ON MVG STRUGGLES
24/04/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
PHIL TAYLOR believes major lifestyle and health changes have led to Michael van Gerwen’s dramatic slump.
Mighty Mike has not won a ranked major title since the 2022 Players Championship Finals, a stark drop from his dominant peak.
The Dutchman now faces a worrying ranking slide and could go as low as 20th after the 2026/27 World Championship.
MVG is defending massive prize money from his Ally Pally and World Matchplay final runs in the coming months.
Former world No.1 Taylor insists Van Gerwen’s focus has been disrupted by his recent divorce and injury troubles.
He told the Double Tops Podcast: “He’s had a big change in his life, with his marriage splitting up and things like that.
“At the minute now he’s like a single parent, so he’s got children to look after and cook and clean and do other things.
“He said he enjoys it, but obviously it’s not something he’s done in the past.
“And it’s harder to travel, so his mind’s occupied by other things. When he was at the top, he was one-track minded. He was a big practicer and he did everything right.
“I think his lifestyle’s just changed a little bit, but he will adapt to it. Whether he’ll be as good as what he was a few years ago.
“But his health isn’t so good with his wrist and his jaw, he had trouble with his jaw. So, things have changed for him.”
Taylor also reckons Van Gerwen will never dominate the sport in the same ruthless fashion again.
He added: “With Michael, I think Luke Humphries is another one. They will win tournaments, but not as often as what they did.
“They’re getting older. I mean, they’re still young enough yet, but they’re getting a little bit older.
“When I was coming towards the end of my career, I wasn’t winning everything, but I could win certain ones, like the Matchplay I loved.
“So, I put pressure on people in the Matchplay. And just different tournaments you won. I wanted to win the Worlds and go out on Double 17.
“That was my plan, try and leave Double 17. So, like the Matchplay, I finished on Double 16, my 16th one.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
