Tennis Legend Monica Seles Reveals Battle with Myasthenia Gravis: What You Need to Know About This Chronic Neuromuscular Disease

Monica Seles recently opened up about her battle with myasthenia gravis, a condition she first noticed while playing tennis. At 51, the tennis star shared her experience in a candid interview with The Associated Press.

“Sometimes I would see double when I was playing. I knew something was off,” she recalled. It took time for her to accept the diagnosis, which she received three years ago. Symptoms like double vision and weakness made everyday tasks challenging.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, myasthenia gravis is a chronic condition that affects how voluntary muscles work. It often strikes younger women and older men but can occur at any age. Awareness is crucial since many are unaware of the disease, just as Seles was before her diagnosis.

This desire for awareness led Seles to team up with argenx, a company that specializes in immunology, for their “Go for Greater” campaign aimed at spreading knowledge about the condition. “I wish there had been someone like me to explain it when I was diagnosed,” she said.

Seles’s journey is not just about tennis. She also spoke about her emotional recovery after a traumatic incident in 1993, when a fan attacked her during a match in Germany. The overwhelming support she received from fans at the U.S. Open during her return made a lasting impression.

Life has given Seles multiple challenges, including her recent health issue, but she sees each as a “reset.” She likens this to adapting in tennis when the ball changes direction. “You have to adjust,” she emphasized, sharing this wisdom with young players she mentors.

The conversation surrounding myasthenia gravis continues to grow, but more needs to be done to support those with the disease. Awareness campaigns can help, as can sharing stories like Seles’s, which highlight the challenges and resilience faced by those living with chronic conditions.

For more information on myasthenia gravis, visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

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