Monica Seles Shares Her Experience with Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis

Published Time 08-12-2025, 19:00

Monica Seles, the celebrated tennis champion and nine-time Grand Slam winner, has publicly disclosed her diagnosis with myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Speaking in a candid interview with The Associated Press, Seles detailed how early symptoms began affecting her day-to-day activities, inspiring her to raise awareness about this chronic condition.

Early Signs and Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis

Seles first noticed subtle yet alarming symptoms of myasthenia gravis while engaging in activities as familiar as playing tennis with family members. “I would miss a ball and think, ‘Yeah, I see two balls,’” she recalled. “These are obviously symptoms you can’t ignore.”

The 51-year-old tennis icon, who won her first major title at the 1990 French Open at just 16, was diagnosed with MG three years ago. She described the gradual onset of symptoms, including muscle weakness, difficulty blowing her hair dry, and persistent double vision. Initially unaware of the condition, Seles sought medical advice after these symptoms worsened, leading to a referral to a neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis.

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

Monica Seles’ Commitment to Raising Awareness

Seles is now partnering with the immunology company argenx as part of their “Go for Greater” campaign, aimed at increasing public knowledge about myasthenia gravis. “When I got diagnosed, I was like, ‘What?!’” Seles shared. “I wish there had been someone like me to speak up about it.”

The announcement comes ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open, scheduled to start on August 24, where Seles hopes her story will inspire others facing similar health challenges.

Overcoming Life’s Challenges: Resilience Through Adversity

Monica Seles’ life and career have been marked by remarkable resilience. After being stabbed during a tournament in Hamburg, Germany, in 1993, she made an extraordinary comeback to the 1995 U.S. Open, reaching the final. “The way they welcomed me after my stabbing — I will never forget,” she said. “Those are the moments that stay with you.”

Beyond her athletic triumphs, Seles describes her journey with MG as another significant “reset” in life. Reflecting on her past, she recounted several pivotal moments requiring adaptation: immigrating to the U.S. at 13 without speaking English, managing sudden fame as a teenager, recovering from the stabbing, and now confronting the realities of a chronic illness.

“I had to, in tennis terms, reset — a hard reset — a few times,” she explained. “Being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis is another reset.”

Embracing a “New Normal” with Myasthenia Gravis

Seles emphasized the importance of adjusting to new circumstances. “That ball is bouncing, and you’ve just got to adjust,” she said, offering words of encouragement to young athletes she mentors.

Myasthenia gravis affects voluntary muscles, causing fluctuating weakness that can interfere with everyday activities, such as walking, speaking, and swallowing. Treatment options vary but may include medications, immune therapies, and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms effectively.

Looking Forward: Advocacy and Hope

Through her openness about living with myasthenia gravis, Monica Seles aims to reduce stigma around chronic illness and provide hope to others. Her partnership with argenx highlights the growing attention to autoimmune diseases and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Seles’ story underscores the reality that even the strongest individuals face health battles. Yet, with resilience and support, it is possible to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of life.