Monica Seles has revealed she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular autoimmune disease, three years ago. The nine-time grand slam champion, now 51, is speaking publicly about her condition for the first time ahead of this month's US Open to raise awareness.
In an interview, Seles described early symptoms such as double vision and weakness in her arms and legs. 'I would be playing with some kids or family members, and I would miss a ball. I was like, “Yeah, I see two balls.” These are obviously symptoms that you can’t ignore,' she said. Simple tasks like blow-drying her hair became difficult.
Myasthenia gravis causes weakness in voluntary muscles and can affect facial expressions, swallowing, and speech. There is currently no known cure. Seles, who first noticed problems while swinging a racket, said the diagnosis forced her to adapt once again, comparing it to previous 'hard resets' in her life, including her stabbing in 1993 and her move from Yugoslavia at age 13.
Seles, who won her first major at 16 and last played in 2003, is embracing a 'new normal' and using exercise to manage her health. 'The way they welcomed me … after my stabbing, I will never forget,' she said of the fans at the US Open. 'Those are the moments that stay with you.'
