'It’s starting to wear me down' - Martin Schindler struggles with 'lack of energy' ahead of the World Matchplay

With two titles and consistent performances on the Pro Tour, Martin Schindler has firmly cemented his place as Germany’s top darts player in the first half of 2025. Ahead of his return to the Winter Gardens stage, The Wall spoke to Dartn.de about his season so far, the mental and physical toll of a packed schedule, and his aspirations for the upcoming World Matchplay.

“Not spectacular – but successful”

Reflecting on his campaign to date, Schindler expressed quiet satisfaction with his form, despite feeling there’s still room for growth. “Overall, it’s been another very successful year, even if I wouldn’t say I’ve been playing outstanding darts,” he admitted. “I’ve already picked up two titles, including one on the European Tour, which is a great achievement. But I still want to be more consistent on the board – I want more from myself this year.”

Fatigue setting in after an intense stretch

The toll of a relentless calendar has begun to show. Following his standout European Tour win in April, Schindler has noticed a dip—not in performance necessarily, but in energy and enthusiasm.

“Right now, I’m definitely feeling a lack of energy—physically and mentally,” he explained. “I’ve taken on a lot over these six months. We’ve already had nine European Tours and 22 Players Championships—that’s about 70 to 75 percent of the full calendar. It’s been a lot, and it’s starting to wear me down.”

While the joy of competing on the oche remains intact, it’s everything around the game that’s become increasingly draining. “I still love playing darts,” he clarified. “But it’s the traveling, the constant pressure, the whole package—that’s what’s exhausting.”

World Cup reflections: “Very, very happy”

Schindler also looked back fondly on his run to the World Cup of Darts semi-finals alongside Ricardo Pietreczko, highlighted by a sensational win over England. “Beating England was obviously the standout moment,” he said. “But the group stage, and that match against Australia, were brilliant too. We really enjoyed it. Even though we just missed the final, Ricardo and I were very, very happy with what we accomplished.”

Staying grounded despite Pro Tour success

Schindler has even topped the Pro Tour Order of Merit recently, a clear sign of his rise in form and stature—but he remains level-headed. “Of course it means something to me,” he said. “Being at the top is great, but let’s be honest—if you’ve got two Euro Tour titles and a Players Championship win under your belt, it’s easier to climb.”

Blackpool challenge: Time for a Matchplay win?

On Sunday, Schindler will kick off his World Matchplay 2025 campaign against Jonny Clayton, a draw he views with cautious optimism. “No one in the Pro Tour bracket wanted to see Luke Humphries or Luke Littler next to their name. I didn’t get either of them, so I’m not complaining,” he said with a grin. “Clayton’s a tough opponent, of course, but I believe I’ve got a real shot.”

And could this finally be the year Schindler picks up his first win at the Matchplay? “The first time has to come at some point,” he laughed. “Why not now?”

As for ambitions of breaking into the world’s top 16—often seen as a major career milestone—Schindler is keeping it all in perspective. “I don’t really think about rankings,” he concluded. “The top 16 is just a number. I just focus on winning my games, and the rest will take care of itself.”