Tennis icon Monica Seles recently shared her battle with a life-altering neuromuscular condition known as myasthenia gravis, which she was diagnosed with three years ago. The 51-year-old, a nine-time Grand Slam winner, disclosed her condition ahead of the US Open tournament.
Having claimed four Australian Open titles, three French Open crowns, and two US Open championships during her illustrious career, the Serbian-American retired in 2008, with her final match five years prior. Seles, a former world No.1, now copes with the effects of myasthenia gravis, a rare disorder causing muscle weakness that can impact various body parts, with symptoms first surfacing around five years ago.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Seles shared her challenges, recounting instances of seeing double and experiencing arm weakness while playing tennis. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing the condition openly, highlighting the significant impact it has on her daily life.
Seles, who had never heard of myasthenia gravis until her diagnosis, mentioned struggling with tasks like blowing out her hair due to muscle weakness. Reflecting on her journey, which includes surviving a knife attack during a tournament in 1993, she likened her current situation to another “reset” in her life.
Despite the hurdles, Seles remains resilient, drawing parallels between her past adversities and her current health battle. She emphasized the need for constant adaptation and resilience, encouraging others to adjust to life’s challenges as she navigates her new reality with determination and courage.