Monica Seles is a nine-time grand slam champion.
Tennis legend Monica Seles has revealed she is living with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease.
The nine-time Grand Slam champion was diagnosed in 2022 but is speaking publicly about it for the first time.
The 51-year-old said she hopes her story will raise awareness before this month’s US Open.
A Sudden Change on Court
Seles first noticed something was wrong while playing casual tennis.
She began missing shots and even saw double balls during rallies.
“I would play with kids or family members and suddenly miss. I’d see two balls,” she recalled.
The symptoms soon became impossible to ignore.
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, myasthenia gravis is a chronic disease that weakens voluntary muscles.
It can affect vision, speech, swallowing, and facial expressions.
There is no known cure.
The condition is most common in women under 40 and men over 60, but it can affect anyone at any age.
A Diagnosis That Shocked
Seles had never heard of myasthenia gravis before her diagnosis.
She was referred to a neurologist after experiencing double vision and weakness in her arms and legs.
“Just blowing my hair out became difficult,” she said.
Her reaction was disbelief.
“When I got diagnosed, I was like, ‘What?!’ I wish I had someone speaking about it back then,” she shared.
Living the “New Normal”
The illness has changed her daily life in many ways.
Seles admits it took time to accept and talk openly about it.
She now focuses on adapting to her “new normal.”
“This is another reset in my life,” she explained.
She compared it to other major turning points she’s faced—moving to the US at 13, handling fame at 16, and returning to tennis after her 1993 stabbing incident.
Lessons from a Resilient Career
Seles has always known how to adjust in the face of challenges.
Her philosophy comes from tennis itself.
“I tell kids I mentor: you must adjust. The ball bounces, and you adapt,” she said.
That approach is now helping her navigate this health challenge.
Fond Memories of the US Open
Seles has a deep connection with the US Open crowd.
She remembers their warm welcome in 1995 when she returned after being stabbed in Germany.
“The way they welcomed me, I will never forget,” she said.
Those moments, she added, have stayed with her for life.
A Champion’s Legacy
During her career, Seles won nine Grand Slam singles titles.
She reached the Wimbledon final in 1992, but it remained the only major she didn’t win.
Her 178 weeks as world No. 1 still rank sixth in WTA history.
Now, she is using her voice to spread awareness about myasthenia gravis.
By sharing her journey, she hopes others will find strength in knowing they are not alone.
