Monica Seles, the tennis legend known for her powerful two-handed strokes and fierce competitiveness, recently revealed her diagnosis with myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular autoimmune disease. The 51-year-old, who captured her first Grand Slam title at the tender age of 16 during the 1990 French Open, disclosed her condition as she prepares to raise awareness ahead of the US Open, commencing August 24.
Seles first noticed symptoms while playing tennis with family and friends. “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. Her journey with the disease began three years ago, but she has only now chosen to speak publicly, emphasizing the impact on her daily life.
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis
According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, myasthenia gravis (MG) is “a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles.” It predominantly affects young adult women under 40 and older men over 60, though it can manifest at any age. Symptoms include difficulties with speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing, with some complications potentially life-threatening.
Seles admitted she was unfamiliar with MG before her diagnosis, which followed symptoms like double vision and limb weakness. “Just blowing my hair out became very difficult,” she recounted, underscoring the disease’s pervasive influence on her life.
A Legacy of Resilience
This revelation marks another chapter in Seles’s storied life, characterized by resilience and adaptation. Her career was notably interrupted in 1993 when she was attacked on court by a fan in Hamburg, Germany. Despite this traumatic event, she returned to competitive tennis in 1995, reaching the US Open final that year.
“I had to, in tennis terms, I guess, reset — hard reset — a few times,” Seles reflected. She described her life as a series of “hard resets,” beginning with her move to the United States at 13, navigating fame and success as a teenager, and now managing her health condition.
“I call my first hard reset when I came to the US as a young 13-year-old [from Yugoslavia]. Didn’t speak the language; left my family. It’s a very tough time. Then, obviously, becoming a great player, it’s a reset, too, because the fame, money, the attention, changes [everything], and it’s hard as a 16-year-old to deal with all that.”
Advocacy and Awareness
Seles’s decision to speak out about myasthenia gravis is driven by a desire to help others facing similar battles. She expressed a wish that someone had shared their experiences when she was diagnosed, highlighting the importance of community and understanding in managing such conditions.
“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,” she advised.
Her openness about the disease is expected to shed light on a condition that remains relatively obscure despite its significant impact. By sharing her story, Seles hopes to inspire others to seek help and foster a broader conversation about autoimmune diseases.
Looking Ahead
As Seles continues to navigate her “new normal,” her legacy as a champion both on and off the court remains intact. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and thrive amid adversity.
The tennis world, and indeed the broader public, will be watching as Seles uses her platform to champion awareness and support for those battling myasthenia gravis. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience and the continuous need for “hard resets” in life.
