New York : Monica Seles, the nine-time Grand Slam tennis champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer, has courageously revealed her ongoing battle with a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis (MG). Diagnosed in 2022, the condition affects the voluntary muscles leading to weakness and fatigue, drastically impacting her day-to-day life.
Seles first noticed troubling symptoms such as double vision—she described seeing two balls instead of one while playing tennis—and profound muscle weakness in her arms and legs, making even simple activities like blowing out her hair difficult. It was these unmistakable signs that prompted her referral to a neurologist and subsequent diagnosis. She shared, “I would be playing with some kids or family members, and I would miss a ball. I was like, ‘Yeah, I see two balls.’ These are obviously symptoms that you can’t ignore.”
For the 51-year-old former athlete, this diagnosis meant another “hard reset” in life, building on previous pivotal moments such as emigrating from Yugoslavia as a teenager and recovering from a traumatic on-court attack in 1993. “Being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis: another reset. But one thing, as I tell kids I mentor: ‘You’ve got to always adjust. That ball is bouncing, and you’ve just got to adjust.’ And that’s what I’m doing now,” Seles said.
Myasthenia gravis is a rare disease affecting about 20 out of every 100,000 people worldwide, characterized by the immune system attacking the communication between nerves and muscles, resulting in muscle weakness that worsens with activity. There is no cure, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Seles chose to publicly discuss her condition ahead of the U.S. Open, scheduled to begin on August 24, to raise awareness about this little-known disease. She acknowledged the difficulty of accepting and opening up about her diagnosis but emphasized the importance of sharing her journey to help others facing similar health challenges.
Her resilience remains an inspiration in and out of the sporting world, showing that even champions face unexpected battles with strength and honesty. As she embraces this new chapter amidst ongoing challenges, Monica Seles stands as a beacon of courage and hope for many.
Below are some reactions from fans and fellow athletes:
A fan tweeted, “Monica Seles is a true warrior! Thank you for sharing your story and raising awareness about myasthenia gravis. Stay strong, legend! #MonicaStrong”
Former tennis pro remarked in an interview, “Monica’s transparency about her health battles is inspiring. It reminds us all to cherish our health and fight through adversity.”
Monica Seles’s journey highlights the importance of awareness for rare diseases and the power of resilience in the face of life’s toughest challenges.
For those who want to learn more about myasthenia gravis or support related causes, medical resources and patient support groups are available globally to provide information and assistance.
Monica Seles’s story is a poignant reminder that health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of past victories—and that hope, courage, and adaptation remain vital.
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