Nine Grand Slam titles winner Monica Seles openly revealed for the first time that she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular autoimmune illness that is a rare condition, in 2022. In an interview before the 2025 US Open, Seles spoke about her current health experience, hoping to create awareness regarding the illness that has greatly affected her daily life.
Recognizing the First Signs: “I Was Seeing Double”
Seles likened the first symptoms of myasthenia gravis as insidious but frightening. “I’d be playing with kids or family, and I began to miss balls. I’d say, ‘I see two balls,’ ” she said. These interludes of double vision, in combination with growing muscle weakness in her arms and legs, were what urged her to consult a doctor.
A neurologist finally diagnosed the former tennis champion with the long-term disease, which also creates problems in swallowing, talking, and even smiling.
“Blowing my hair out just became extremely challenging,” Seles said, recalling the physical strain of the illness.
What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis, as defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes weakness in voluntary muscles, particularly those that govern the eyes, face, throat, and limbs. Though most commonly affecting women younger than 40 and men older than 60, it can occur at any age, including childhood.
There is no known cure at present, although the symptoms can occasionally be controlled with treatment and modifications to lifestyle.
“Another Hard Reset” in a Life of Trials
For Monica Seles, this diagnosis represents yet another significant life transition in a life characterized by grit.
“I had to perform a hard reboot, again,” reported Seles. “I got my first one when I arrived in the U.S. as a 13-year-old from Yugoslavia. Then, another reboot when I became a leading player at age 16. The greatest one was after my stabbing. And now, with myasthenia gravis, it’s one more.“
Seles famously returned to professional tennis at the 1995 US Open more than two years after surviving a traumatic on-court stabbing in Germany. That return, she says, remains one of the most emotional moments of her life.
“The way the New York fans welcomed me after the stabbing I’ll never forget that,” she said.
Living with Myasthenia Gravis: Adjusting to the “New Normal”
Now 51 years old, Seles explained that she’s learning to adjust to what she refers to as her “new normal”, created by the physical constraints of myasthenia gravis. She’s turned into a promoter of honesty and acceptance surrounding the disease, sharing her experience in hopes that others will identify the symptoms early.
“I wish someone like me would have spoken up when I first was having symptoms,” she said. “It’s a hard ride, but I’m settling in. That ball is rolling, and you’ve just got to adapt.”
Legacy of a Champion: Monica Seles’ Lasting Impact
Throughout her brilliant career, Monica Seles held the world No. 1 position for 178 weeks, standing sixth on WTA history’s all-time list and collecting nine Grand Slam singles titles. The only Grand Slam crown she lacked was Wimbledon, although she reached the final in 1992.
Now, even away from the tennis court, Monica Seles remains an inspiration, using personal hardship as a campaign for awareness and reform.
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