The ex-wife of darts champion Michael van Gerwen has spoken publicly for the first time with her new boyfriend, confirming details of their relationship timeline and a surprise pregnancy, eight months after her separation from the sports star.
Revealing the Relationship Timeline
In a candid interview with Dutch programme Shownieuws, Daphne Govers appeared alongside her partner, Robert. He admitted the pair had known each other "for a long time" and had "always clicked" before her marriage to Van Gerwen ended. However, both were keen to stress that their romantic relationship only began afterwards.
"That's when the spark ignited," Robert stated. "It wasn't the intention but it happened. We didn't want to offend anyone, let me be clear about that. We didn't want to hurt anyone, not Michael, not anyone."
Govers directly addressed online speculation, asserting, "But not everything that's been posted online is true." She clarified that Robert had already ended his previous relationship when they got together, countering any suggestion of an overlap.
A 'Miracle' Pregnancy and Co-Parenting Dynamics
The couple also revealed they are expecting a child in January, which Govers described as a "miracle." She explained that due to medical reasons, she believed natural conception was unlikely. "My world was completely turned upside down," she said of the pregnancy news. "How am I going to handle this? But in the end, it all worked out. It's more than welcome."
When questioned about Van Gerwen's reaction to the pregnancy, Govers replied, "I wouldn't dare say. I don't think very happy, but I really don't know."
Despite the complex circumstances, both Govers and Robert emphasised a commitment to civil co-parenting. Govers believes she is friends with her ex-husband, while Robert expressed "respect" for Van Gerwen, whom he meets regularly due to custody arrangements for the two children Van Gerwen shares with Govers, Zoe and Mike.
"I find it difficult," Robert added. "Of course, I pulled that trick on him, and I'm not proud of it. But hey, I chose my own happiness, and he's welcome here."
Van Gerwen's 'Worst Year' and Darts Focus
The interview follows Van Gerwen's own comments to Dutch outlet AD, where he reflected on a tumultuous period. The three-time PDC world champion labelled 2025 his "worst year," a sentiment compounded by his May separation and his father's cancer diagnosis. He expressed a desire to move forward, stating, "at some point, you want to think about nice things again, not just be preoccupied with the mess you're experiencing at that moment."
Currently, Van Gerwen's focus is on the sport. He is competing in the World Darts Championship in London, where he has secured a place in the fourth round after a 4-1 victory over Arno Merk. His next opponent is Gary Anderson, a rival he has faced for over two decades.
"We know exactly what we have to do to beat each other," Van Gerwen said in a post-match press conference. "We've had so many great battles, and I hope we're going to have another one in two days' time."
