Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia with courage, grace, and an unwavering determination to raise awareness about a condition many have never heard of. The nine-time Grand Slam champion and International Tennis Hall of Fame member recently revealed that she has been living with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease. Her story is one of resilience, adaptation, and using her voice to help others.
The First Signs of Trouble
For years, Monica Seles was known for her unmatched intensity on the tennis court. But a few years ago, she began noticing something unusual. During casual matches with family or children, she realized she was missing balls she would normally hit with ease.
“I would be playing with some kids or family members, and I would miss a ball,” she recalled. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I see two balls.’ These are obviously symptoms you can’t ignore.” That moment marked the start of her unexpected health journey.
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia not just to share her personal struggle, but to shed light on symptoms many might dismiss — such as double vision, arm weakness, and fatigue — which can indicate a deeper medical condition.
The Diagnosis and Initial Shock
Three years ago, Seles received a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis after consulting a neurologist. The news left her stunned. “When I got diagnosed, I was like, ‘What?!’” she said. Until that moment, she had never even heard of the disease.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes myasthenia gravis as a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in voluntary muscles. While it most commonly affects young adult women under 40 and older men over 60, it can appear at any age, even in childhood.
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia with the intent of helping others recognize the signs earlier than she did. She recalls that everyday activities, such as blow-drying her hair, became difficult because of muscle weakness in her arms and legs.
Raising Awareness Through Advocacy
Seles is now partnering with argenx, a Netherlands-based immunology company, for their Go for Greater campaign. The initiative focuses on educating the public about myasthenia gravis and encouraging people to seek medical attention for unexplained symptoms.
Her decision to speak publicly about her diagnosis comes just before the U.S. Open — a tournament that has been deeply significant in her career. “I wish I had somebody like me speak up about it,” she said, emphasizing the power of shared experiences.
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia not to dwell on the challenge, but to inspire hope. She sees this as another opportunity to turn a personal trial into a source of encouragement for others.
A Career of Resilience
This is far from the first challenge Monica Seles has faced. Her career has been marked by triumphs and unimaginable hardships. She won her first Grand Slam title at the 1990 French Open at just 16 years old, later becoming one of the most dominant players of her era.
In 1993, her career was abruptly halted when she was stabbed during a match in Hamburg, Germany, by a spectator. The incident kept her away from competition for more than two years. When she finally returned at the 1995 U.S. Open, fans welcomed her with overwhelming support.
“The way they welcomed me after my stabbing, I will never forget,” she said. “Those are the moments that stay with you.”
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia while drawing on her history of resilience. She has faced adversity before and knows how to reset her mindset to adapt to new realities.
Living the ‘New Normal’
Now 51, Seles has embraced what she calls her “new normal.” She explains that myasthenia gravis has required her to approach life differently, much like she has had to do in the past after major life changes.
“In tennis terms, I guess I had to reset — a hard reset — a few times,” she explained. “I call my first hard reset when I came to the U.S. as a young 13-year-old from Yugoslavia. Didn’t speak the language; left my family. It was a tough time. Then, becoming a great player is another reset because the fame, money, and attention change everything. My stabbing — that was another reset. And now, being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis: another reset.”
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia with the same fighting spirit that made her a champion. Her advice to young athletes and anyone facing challenges is simple: “You’ve got to always adjust. That ball is bouncing, and you’ve just got to adjust.”
Why Her Story Matters
By speaking openly, Seles is helping remove the stigma that often surrounds chronic illnesses. Many people with myasthenia gravis suffer in silence, either because they don’t recognize the symptoms or because they feel misunderstood.
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia to encourage others not to ignore persistent health issues. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing the disease. Her journey is a reminder that even world-class athletes are not immune to life-altering conditions.
The Power of Awareness and Community
Seles hopes her story will inspire others to seek help and to connect with communities that understand their struggles. She recognizes that awareness can lead to earlier detection, better treatment, and improved quality of life for patients.
Her role in the Go for Greater campaign is about more than sharing her personal battle — it’s about giving myasthenia gravis a face and a voice. By doing so, she’s empowering others to speak up, ask questions, and seek proper medical care.
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia as part of a larger mission: to turn her platform into a source of knowledge and hope.
Looking Ahead
While myasthenia gravis presents daily challenges, Seles is determined to keep living fully. She continues to mentor young athletes, share her experiences, and remain active in causes close to her heart.
Her tennis career may be behind her, but her legacy now extends beyond the court. She has transformed her platform into a powerful tool for advocacy and education.
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia with the confidence of someone who has learned to turn setbacks into stepping stones. Her story shows that while the game may change, the champion’s spirit remains.
Final Thoughts
Monica Seles’s journey with myasthenia gravis is a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us can face unexpected health battles. What defines us is not the challenge itself, but how we respond to it.
By sharing her story, she’s breaking down barriers, raising awareness, and inspiring countless individuals to confront their own challenges with courage.
Tennis Great Monica Seles Talks Myasthenia not as a story of defeat, but as one of strength, adaptation, and hope. Her message is clear: no matter what life throws at you, there’s always a way to adjust your swing and keep playing the game.