Former tennis superstar Monica Seles has publicly disclosed her battle with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease she has kept private for three years. The announcement comes as the nine-time Grand Slam winner and former world No.1 aims to shed light on the condition ahead of the US Open.
Seles, who first noticed symptoms of the neuromuscular disease while playing tennis, described the challenges she faced. “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,” she shared. The 51-year-old athlete revealed that the journey to accepting her diagnosis was difficult, impacting her daily life significantly.
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis, often abbreviated as MG, is described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke as “a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles.” It most commonly affects young adult women under 40 and older men over 60, but it can occur at any age, including childhood.
Seles, who was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame, had never heard of the condition until she was referred to a neurologist after experiencing symptoms such as double vision and arm weakness. “Just blowing my hair out … became very difficult,” she recounted, highlighting the everyday challenges posed by the disease.
A Legacy of Resilience
The announcement of her diagnosis is not the first time Seles has faced significant personal challenges. Her career was famously interrupted in 1993 when she was attacked by a spectator during a match in Hamburg, Germany. Despite the trauma, she made a remarkable return to tennis at the 1995 US Open, reaching the finals.
Reflecting on her journey, Seles said, “The way they welcomed me … after my stabbing, I will never forget. Those are the moments that stay with you.” Her resilience in the face of adversity has been a defining characteristic of her career and personal life.
Partnering for Awareness
In her efforts to raise awareness about myasthenia gravis, Seles has partnered with argenx, an immunology company based in the Netherlands, as part of their Go for Greater campaign. She hopes to provide support and visibility for others facing similar health challenges.
“When I got diagnosed, I was like ‘what?!’” Seles admitted. “I wish I had somebody like me speak up about it.” Her partnership with argenx aims to ensure that others do not feel as isolated as she once did.
Adapting to a New Normal
Seles describes her current life as a series of “resets,” likening her experience with myasthenia gravis to other pivotal moments in her life. “I had to, in tennis terms, I guess, reset — hard reset — a few times,” she explained. From moving to the United States at 13, to dealing with fame and the aftermath of her stabbing, Seles has continually adapted to life’s challenges.
“And then, really, being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis: another reset. But one thing, as I tell kids that 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.”
As Seles continues her advocacy, her story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of raising awareness for lesser-known health conditions.
