Tennis icon Monica Seles recently disclosed that she received a life-altering diagnosis of a neuromuscular disease three years ago. The 51-year-old former tennis star decided to make her condition, myasthenia gravis, public just before the US Open this month.
Having clinched nine Grand Slam titles, including four Australian Opens, three French Opens, and two US Opens, the Serbian-American athlete retired in 2008, with her final match five years prior.
Currently grappling with the effects of the rare condition that induces muscle weakness and can impact various body parts, Seles shared that she first noticed symptoms approximately five years ago. She recounted experiences of struggling with double vision and arm weakness, even in simple tasks like blow-drying her hair.
Expressing her surprise and the initial challenge of accepting the diagnosis, Seles emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the condition. She compared her journey with myasthenia gravis to a significant event in her past when she was attacked with a knife during a tournament in Hamburg in April 1993.
Acknowledging the support she received upon returning to the 1995 US Open after the attack, Seles reflected on the resilience needed to navigate various setbacks in life, including her recent diagnosis. Despite the hurdles, she remains steadfast in adapting to the changes, drawing on her experiences to mentor others about resilience and adaptability.