Monica Seles, the former world No. 1 tennis star, has bravely shared details of her ongoing battle with myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune condition that affects muscle control. The nine-time Grand Slam champion revealed how the disease has significantly impacted her daily life since her retirement from professional tennis.
A Champion's Silent Struggle
Seles, now 50, explained that she was diagnosed with the condition years after stepping away from the sport that made her a household name. "It's been a challenging journey," she admitted, describing how the disease causes severe muscle weakness and fatigue.
Symptoms That Changed Everything
The tennis legend detailed how myasthenia gravis affects her:
- Difficulty with basic facial expressions
- Problems with chewing and swallowing
- Extreme fatigue after minimal physical activity
- Periodic drooping of eyelids
"There are days when even holding a phone to my ear feels impossible," Seles revealed, painting a stark contrast to her former athletic prowess.
Life After Professional Tennis
The former champion, known for her powerful two-handed strokes from both sides, spoke about adjusting to life with the condition. While she maintains an active lifestyle, Seles acknowledged having to significantly modify her exercise routine and daily activities.
Despite the challenges, Seles remains positive, focusing on raising awareness about myasthenia gravis and supporting others with autoimmune conditions. "If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, it's worth it," she said.
