Tennis Icon Monica Seles Opens Up About Battling Rare Autoimmune Disease and Its Challenging Symptoms

Monica Seles, a nine-time Grand Slam champion and renowned as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has publicly shared her diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune disease. The former Serbian-American World No. 1 revealed she has been contending with this condition over the past five years and has chosen to speak out to raise awareness.

In a conversation with the Associated Press, Seles detailed how the symptoms initially appeared subtly but gradually became unavoidable.

“I would be playing tennis with children or family, missing balls, and thinking, ‘Am I seeing double?’ These symptoms were ones I couldn’t ignore,” Seles recounted.

The former tennis star, who secured eight of her nine Grand Slam titles as a teenager, described how it took courage to openly discuss her condition because of its significant impact on her daily life: “It was a challenge to embrace it and speak openly because it’s such a significant part of my life now.”

According to NHS.co.uk, myasthenia gravis is described as a “rare long-term condition causing muscle weakness. It primarily affects the muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expressions, chewing, swallowing, and speaking, but can impact other body parts as well.”

Now at 51, Seles emphasized the importance of someone in her position speaking about such matters, leading her to disclose her diagnosis. “Upon my diagnosis, I thought, ‘What does this mean?’ It underscored the need for public discussions, with hopes others might find solace in knowing they’re not alone,” she noted.

Overcoming Further Challenges

Seles’ career has not been without its share of hardships. Despite a promising start that hinted at her becoming the greatest tennis star, she faced a significant setback when stabbed during a match in Hamburg at age 19, which limited her subsequent successes to one additional Grand Slam title.

Seles reflected on how these experiences fortified her against adversity, making each challenge a new opportunity to adapt. “Times were tough. Gaining fame, handling the wealth and attention at 16 was a hurdle. The stabbing required a significant realignment,” she shared. “Being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis is yet another challenge.”

Seles concluded with her advice to those she mentors: “Life requires constant adjustment, much like tennis. The ball is always moving, and you have to adapt. That’s what I’m doing now,” she declared.