Tennis Legend Monica Seles Opens Up About Chronic Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis
Tennis legend Monica Seles has spoken publicly for the first time about her diagnosis with myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune condition that affects the nervous system.
In an interview, Seles, 51, revealed she was diagnosed with the condition three years ago and has been living with it since.
As a professional athlete, Seles said she knew her body well and was able to recognize the unusual symptoms, including extreme leg weakness, arm weakness, and double vision.
She described the experience as a “huge reset” in her professional and personal life.
Spotlighting Myasthenia Gravis
Seles has chosen to share her story to raise awareness about the disease, which she says she knew little about when she was first diagnosed.
She hopes to encourage others to “advocate for themselves and know their symptoms” if they are experiencing similar health issues.
Seles, a nine-time Grand Slam champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer, has partnered with Argenx, a pharmaceutical company, to raise awareness about myasthenia gravis.
She encourages people to educate themselves about the condition and its symptoms, including weakness in the voluntary muscles, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing.
A Chronic Condition
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease that affects the connection between nerve cells and muscles.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it can occur at any age, although it most commonly affects adult women under 40.
There is currently no cure for the condition, but treatment is available to manage muscle weakness.
Seles, who won her last professional competitive match in 2003 and officially retired from tennis in 2008, says she has had to adapt to a new way of living with myasthenia gravis.
She encourages others to seek medical attention if they are experiencing similar symptoms and to not feel alone in their struggles.