Monica Seles Shares Health Journey After Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis

Monica Seles, the celebrated International Tennis Hall of Famer, revealed her diagnosis of myasthenia gravis three years ago, a neuromuscular autoimmune disease that leads to weakness in voluntary muscles. Speaking publicly for the first time about her condition, Seles shared her experience with The Associated Press, highlighting the challenges she faced while playing tennis, a sport she has loved since her youth.

Seles first noticed symptoms while engaging in casual games with family and friends. “I would be playing… and I would miss a ball. I was like, ‘Yeah, I see two balls,'” she recalled. These early signs prompted her to seek medical advice, leading to a diagnosis that profoundly impacted her daily life. The 51-year-old former champion described the process of coming to terms with her condition as a significant journey, stating, “It took me quite some time to really absorb it, speak openly about it, because it’s a difficult one.”

Understanding Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is characterized by weakness in voluntary muscles, primarily affecting young adult women under 40 and older men over 60. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the disease can occur at any age, including childhood. Seles admitted she had never heard of the condition until she consulted a neurologist after experiencing symptoms like double vision and significant muscle weakness. She remarked, “When I got diagnosed, I was like, ‘What?!'”

Seles’ condition has forced her to adapt her lifestyle significantly. She described how mundane tasks, such as styling her hair, became taxing due to muscle fatigue. “Just blowing my hair out… became very difficult,” she explained. Through this experience, she has come to appreciate the importance of resilience and adaptation.

A Life of Resets

The former tennis star has faced numerous turning points throughout her life, which she likens to “resets.” She reflected on her journey from her native Yugoslavia to the United States at age 13, where she had to learn a new language and navigate a vastly different culture. “It’s a very tough time,” Seles noted. Her rise to fame as a young athlete brought its own challenges, with the pressures of public attention and success.

Seles’ life took another dramatic turn following a stabbing incident in 1993, which required yet another reset. Now, with her diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, she faces what she calls her latest reset. She emphasized the importance of adapting to life’s challenges, advising young athletes she mentors to “always adjust. That ball is bouncing, and you’ve just got to adjust.”

By speaking openly about her health struggles, Seles aims to raise awareness about myasthenia gravis and inspire others facing similar challenges. She hopes that sharing her journey will help those who may be experiencing similar symptoms feel less isolated and more empowered to seek help.