Monica Seles Shares Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis & Awareness
Tennis legend Monica Seles reveals a myasthenia gravis diagnosis. Learn her story, common symptoms, treatments, and how to find support and resources.
Tennis icon Monica Seles—a nine-time Grand Slam champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer—has publicly shared that she lives with myasthenia gravis (MG), a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease. Seles said she first noticed something was off while hitting with family: double vision, missed balls, and unusual fatigue. After a diagnostic journey, she learned she had MG and is now speaking out to raise awareness and help others feel less alone. She discussed the news in interviews timed around the U.S. Open, emphasizing that learning to live with MG has been a major “reset” in both her professional and personal life.
Below, you’ll find a clear, reader-friendly guide to Seles’s story, what myasthenia gravis is, common warning signs, today’s treatment options, and trusted resources.
A Champion’s New Challenge
Seles dominated women’s tennis in the early 1990s, rising to world No. 1, winning 53 singles titles and spending 178 weeks atop the rankings. Her career—and later life—have been defined by resilience, from returning to the tour after the traumatic 1993 on-court stabbing to ultimately retiring in 2008. Now 51, Seles says MG has changed everyday routines—from travel to simple tasks—yet she’s determined to adapt and use her platform to educate others, including through awareness events and partnerships with patient-advocacy initiatives.
“Once I was diagnosed, it was a relief—but also a challenge. I’ve had to learn a new way to live with MG,” Seles said, adding that knowing there’s a supportive community makes a difference.
What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease that disrupts communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction. The immune system mistakenly targets key proteins—most commonly the acetylcholine receptor (AChR)—so nerve signals don’t trigger normal muscle contractions. The result is fluctuating muscle weakness that often worsens with activity and improves with rest. There is no cure, but modern treatments can meaningfully control symptoms for many people. NINDSMayo ClinicMuscular Dystrophy Association
Common Symptoms
MG looks different from person to person, but frequent signs include:
- Double vision and drooping eyelids (ocular muscles are often affected first)
- Facial and jaw weakness leading to slurred speech, difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Neck, arm, or leg weakness that fluctuates and worsens with exertion
- Shortness of breath in more severe cases
These symptoms can appear suddenly, vary in intensity during the day, and are often aggravated by fatigue, illness, stress, or certain medications. NINDSMayo Clinic
Seles’s earliest red flag—double vision during play—is a classic ocular MG symptom and a common first clue. AP News
How MG Is Diagnosed
Because symptoms can be subtle or mimic other conditions, diagnosis may take time. Clinicians typically combine:
- Clinical exam focused on fatigable muscle weakness
- Antibody blood tests (AChR, MuSK, and others)
- Electrodiagnostic tests such as repetitive nerve stimulation or single-fiber EMG
- Imaging to assess the thymus gland, which can be enlarged or harbor a thymoma in some patients
Detecting AChR-binding antibodies offers strong diagnostic sensitivity for autoimmune MG. Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Treatment Options Today
While there’s no cure, multiple therapies can target symptoms and the immune pathways behind MG. Treatment plans are individualized and may combine:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine) to improve nerve-muscle signaling
- Immunosuppressants (steroids and steroid-sparing agents) to reduce autoimmunity
- Rapid-acting therapies such as IVIG or plasmapheresis for exacerbations
- Targeted biologics for refractory disease
- Thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus) in select cases
Many people with MG—especially with consistent care—can manage symptoms and maintain active, fulfilling lives. Mayo ClinicNINDS
Seles’s Message: Listen to Your Body, Find Community
Seles has urged people to advocate for themselves: if you notice unusual muscle fatigue, droopy eyelids, or sudden double vision, seek medical attention. Her decision to speak publicly, including on Good Morning America, is aimed at reducing stigma and connecting those newly diagnosed with knowledge and community. She’s also participated in awareness efforts with immunology groups to spotlight resources for people living with MG. ABC NewsPeople.com
Why Seles’s Story Matters
- Visibility drives earlier diagnosis. High-profile disclosures help people recognize symptoms sooner and push for evaluation, reducing the risk of emergencies like MG crises. NINDS
- MG isn’t rare in its impact. Even though MG is considered uncommon, it can dramatically affect day-to-day function—work, driving, eating—especially when symptoms aren’t recognized or treated. Cleveland Clinic
- Resilience narrative helps reduce isolation. Seles’s “reset” framing validates the emotional adjustment that often accompanies chronic illness—and it underscores the value of support networks. ABC News
FAQs About Monica Seles and Myasthenia Gravis
Did Monica Seles say when her symptoms began?She described noticing unusual issues on court—like double vision and missed shots—years before sharing her diagnosis publicly. She has since explained that the process of getting answers took time, and that going public was about raising awareness and helping others. AP NewsABC News
How is she doing now?Seles has said MG affects daily life and requires adjustments, but she’s focused on adapting, finding community, and using her platform constructively, especially around the U.S. Open. ReutersABC News
What triggers can worsen MG symptoms?Fatigue, illness, stress, and some medications can exacerbate weakness. Patients should work with clinicians to review medicines and develop an action plan. NINDS
Is MG curable?There is no cure yet, but therapies—from cholinesterase inhibitors to immunomodulating treatments—often provide strong symptom control. Many people manage MG successfully and live active lives. Mayo ClinicNINDS
Where can I learn more about Seles’s announcement?Authoritative coverage includes the Associated Press, ABC News (“Good Morning America”), People, and Reuters, which summarize her comments and ongoing advocacy. AP NewsABC NewsPeople.comReuters
Final Takeaway
Monica Seles’s decision to share her myasthenia gravis diagnosis puts a powerful human face on a complex condition. Her message is simple and vital: listen to your body, get evaluated if something feels off, and lean on community. With accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment, and support, many people with MG can keep doing what they love—just as Seles continues to do: inspiring others on and off the court.
- Monica Seles, myasthenia gravis, MG symptoms, MG treatment, tennis news
- autoimmune neuromuscular disease, double vision, muscle weakness, US Open tennis
-
monica-seles-myasthenia-gravis-diagnosis-awareness -
Monica Seles discusses myasthenia gravis diagnosis during TV interview - Link to your health explainer on autoimmune diseases, and a tennis hub page for related features.
