Tennis nice Monica Seles has revealed she was recognized with myasthenia gravis — a continual neuromuscular autoimmune illness, also referred to as MG — three years in the past.
Forward of the 2025 U.S. Open, which kicks off subsequent week in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, the 51-year-old Corridor of Famer opened up about her well being journey for the primary time.
“It took me quite some time to really absorb it, speak openly about it, because it’s a difficult one. It affects my day-to-day life quite a lot,” she instructed The Related Press.
Monica Seles from Yugoslavia retains her eyes on the tennis ball as she serves to Shaun Stafford of america throughout their Ladies’s Singles Third Spherical match of america Open Tennis Championship in 1989. (Simon Bruty/Allsport/Getty Pictures)
Seles — whose profession included 9 Grand Slam titles, seven of them earlier than she turned 19 — revealed she was referred to a neurologist after first noticing signs reminiscent of double imaginative and prescient and weak point in her legs and arms.
“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,” mentioned the Yugoslavia native.
She added that on a regular basis actions like blowing out her hair “became very difficult” consequently.
Seles mentioned she plans to attend the U.S. Open later this month, in partnership with an occasion with immunology firm Argenx geared toward elevating consciousness about MG.
In line with the Cleveland Clinic, myasthenia gravis may also goal muscle tissue within the face and neck with signs together with issue talking, swallowing or chewing.
MG occurs when the physique’s immune system mistakenly assaults itself, although the reason for the situation is unclear.
“Studies suggest that certain immune system cells in your thymus gland have trouble identifying what’s a threat to your body (like bacteria or viruses) versus healthy components,” the clinic provides.
MG is incurable, in keeping with the Nationwide Institute of Neurological Problems and Stroke, however might be handled by way of thymus gland elimination surgical procedure, way of life modifications and extra.
Initially Revealed: August 12, 2025 at 2:14 PM EDT
