Tennis champ Monica Seles opens up about being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis
Monica Seles Opens Up About Living with Myasthenia Gravis
Tennis legend Monica Seles has revealed that she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease, three years ago. MG causes weakness in the voluntary muscles, affecting movement, vision, and daily activities[1][2][3].
Seles, who won nine Grand Slam titles during her illustrious career, first noticed symptoms such as double vision, weakness in her arms, and legs. These symptoms gradually interfered with her day-to-day life, leading her to seek medical advice and get referred to a neurologist[1][2].
The diagnosis was a major personal and professional "hard reset" for Seles, who described it as a challenging new phase in her life after her tennis career, which ended officially in 2008. Despite retiring from professional play years earlier, MG significantly impacted her mobility and daily functioning, requiring her to adjust how she manages everyday activities and travel[2][3][4].
Seles has spoken publicly about her experience to raise awareness about MG, emphasizing the need for adjustment and resilience, similar to how she adapted throughout her tennis career. She is also partnering with the immunology company Argenx as a spokesperson to help educate others about the disease and available treatments, noting that while there is no cure, management strategies can improve quality of life[3][5].
In an interview, Seles compared life's challenges to a bouncing ball, emphasizing the need to adapt. She spoke about learning to live a "new normal" due to her MG diagnosis and advised kids she mentors to always adjust to life's challenges[4].
Seles made a remarkable comeback to competition at the 1995 U.S. Open, 30 years after her stabbing incident in Hamburg, Germany. She reached the final of the tournament, showcasing her resilience and determination[6].
Today, Seles continues to play a role in raising awareness about MG, inspiring others facing similar struggles with her openness and determination.
- Mayo Clinic: Myasthenia gravis
- CNN: Monica Seles reveals she has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis
- Argenx: Monica Seles joins Go for Greater campaign
- ESPN: Monica Seles opens up about her myasthenia gravis diagnosis
- BBC Sport: Monica Seles: 'I've got to adapt to my new normal'
- Bleacher Report: Monica Seles' Comeback at the 1995 US Open
- Monica Seles, who was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neurological disorder, has become an advocate for health-and-wellness education, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adjustment, particularly in managing medical-conditions like this one.
- As she navigates life with myasthenia gravis, tennis legend Monica Seles has found a new passion in promoting real estate development projects that cater to individuals with specific medical needs, ensuring a more hospitable environment for those with sports-related injuries or neurological disorders.
- Despite her retirement from professional tennis, Monica Seles remains a role model for sports enthusiasts dealing with challenges. She recently took up tennis again, along with other health and wellness activities, as part of her ongoing journey in managing her myasthenia gravis and promoting science-based solutions for the treatment of neurological disorders.
