In a recent announcement, tennis legend Monica Seles revealed she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare chronic neuromuscular disease, three years ago. The 51-year-old, who won her first Grand Slam at age 16 and played her last match in 2003, is speaking publicly about her diagnosis for the first time ahead of the U.S. Open to raise awareness about the condition.
Seles said she first noticed symptoms while playing tennis with family members, experiencing double vision and missing balls. She also noted that simple tasks, like blowing out her hair, became very difficult due to muscle weakness in her arms and legs. She described the diagnosis as another "reset" in her life, comparing it to her move to the U.S. as a teenager and the 1993 on-court stabbing incident.
Myasthenia gravis causes muscle weakness by disrupting the communication between nerves and muscles. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, while it most commonly impacts women under 40 and men over 60, it can occur at any age. There is no known cure for the disease, but treatments can help manage the symptoms.
Seles is partnering with the immunology company argenx on their "Go for Greater" campaign to raise awareness and provide resources for those living with the condition. She stated that she hopes her story will empower other patients and help them connect with the MG community.
