Tennis icon and nine-time Grand Slam champion Monica Seles has bravely gone public with her diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a rare neuromuscular autoimmune condition she has been living with for roughly three years. She first noticed symptoms around 2019–2020—such as double vision during casual play, muscle weakness in her arms and legs, fatigue, and even difficulty blowing out her hair—which prompted further medical investigation.
Seles Opens Up
In a recent interview with the Associated Press and broadcast on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Seles shared that the diagnosis in 2022 brought both relief and a new challenge. As someone who has always known her body’s limits, she said, noticing double vision and missed shots while playing with family made her realize something was seriously off. Since then, routine tasks like speaking, swallowing, and even hairstyling have required more effort and adaptations.
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis
MG is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking receptors at the neuromuscular junction, disrupting the nerve-to-muscle signal. This leads to weakness that worsens with activity and can affect muscles controlling the eyes, face, limbs, and even breathing. Common signs include drooping eyelids, double vision, slurred speech, and fatigue—many of which Seles has experienced firsthand.
Diagnosis typically involves neurological exams, blood tests for specific antibodies, and sometimes nerve conduction studies or the edrophonium test. While there’s no cure, treatments can include medications (like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors), immunosuppressants, and, in some cases, thymus gland removal. Though outcomes vary, many people with MG can achieve significant symptom relief and stability with proper care.
A Story of Resilience and Advocacy
Reflecting on her life, Seles described adapting to MG as another major “hard reset”—comparable to her immigration to the U.S. as a teen, dealing with fierce fame in her late teens, and her shocking stabbing attack in 1993. “You’ve got to always adjust,” she said, using a tennis metaphor to illustrate her approach to life post-diagnosis.
As a spokesperson for the immunology company Argenx’s “Go for Greater” campaign, Seles is determined to raise awareness about MG—especially ahead of the U.S. Open. She hopes her visibility helps others dealing with the condition, offering them a voice and community: “When I got diagnosed … I wish I had somebody like me speak up about it,” she shared.
Monica Seles’s story is one of perseverance extending far beyond the court. While MG has shifted her physical landscape, her mindset—anchored in adaptation, advocacy, and resilience—remains as strong as ever. As she readies herself for the U.S. Open spotlight, she’s carrying more than a tennis legacy: she’s bringing vital awareness to a community that, until now, has been largely overlooked.
Main Photo Credit: Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union
