Tennis Legend Monica Seles Reveals Rare Disease Battle! Shock Diagnosis!
South African tennis fans were saddened to hear that tennis legend Monica Seles has revealed her battle with a rare neuromuscular disease, myasthenia gravis (MG). The nine-time Grand Slam champion, now 51, shared her diagnosis publicly for the first time, hoping to raise awareness about the condition.
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, MG affects the voluntary muscles, impacting movement and other bodily functions. While it can occur at any age, it most commonly affects young adult women (under 40) and older men (over 60).
Seles first noticed symptoms in 2019, experiencing double vision and weakness in her arms and legs while playing tennis. "I would be playing with some kids or family members, and I would miss a ball. I was like, 'Yeah, I see two balls'," she explained. "These are obviously symptoms that you can't ignore."
The diagnosis came after two years of tests and scans. Seles admitted it took time to process the news, saying, "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." Even simple tasks like styling her hair became challenging.
Living with MG
There is currently no known cure for myasthenia gravis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Seles is now "learning to live with a new normal" and hopes her story will inspire others facing similar health challenges.
- Double Vision
- Muscle Weakness
- Difficulty with Daily Tasks
Seles, who won her first Grand Slam at the age of 16 at the 1990 French Open, retired from professional tennis in 2003. Her illustrious career included 9 Grand Slam titles and a remarkable 91-week streak as world No. 1.
Her openness about her diagnosis is commendable and will undoubtedly help raise awareness and understanding of this rare and often debilitating disease.