Monica Seles Opens Up About Living with Myasthenia Gravis Ahead of US Open, Shares Journey of Adapting to a ‘New Normal’

Tennis legend Monica Seles, aged 51, first experienced the symptoms of myasthenia gravis – a neuromuscular autoimmune disorder – during a casual game with family or friends. She recounted these early signs during a recent interview, noting that she would occasionally miss a ball, as if seeing two simultaneously.

“I’d be playing with my kids or family, and I would miss a ball. It was like ‘Oh, there are two balls.’ Those are symptoms you can’t ignore,” Seles said. She traced this health journey back to that moment and revealed it took considerable time to understand and openly discuss her condition, given its complexities and impact on her daily life.

Seles clinched her first major title at the 1990 French Open as a 16-year-old prodigy and competed in her final match in 2003. She was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis three years ago and will publicly discuss it for the first time ahead of the upcoming US Open, set to commence on August 24th. This disclosure aims to increase awareness about myasthenia gravis (MG).

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines MG as a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in voluntary muscles and primarily affects young adult women under 40 and older men over 60. However, it can manifest at any age, including childhood.

Seles claimed she had no prior knowledge of the condition before her diagnosis, following the onset of symptoms such as double vision and arm and leg weakness – even finding it challenging to style her hair normally. Upon diagnosis, she expressed shock, stating, “When I got diagnosed, I was like, ‘What?!'”

Seles is collaborating with argenx, a Netherlands-based immunology company, for their Go for Greater campaign. She wishes there had been someone like herself to speak about the condition earlier and hopes her revelation will help others facing similar challenges.

Three decades have passed since Seles returned to competition at the 1995 US Open, reaching the final, two years after a knife attack during a tournament in Hamburg, Germany. The New York fans welcomed her warmly following the ordeal, a moment she will always remember fondly.

Reflecting on her life journey, Seles speaks of embracing a “new normal” today and considers her health condition as another challenge necessitating adaptation, similar to previous adjustments in her tennis career and personal life. She likens these transitions to having to adapt while playing tennis, stating, “You’ve got to always adjust. That ball is bouncing, and you’ve just got to adjust.” Seles continues this process today.