Monica Seles Discloses Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis Ahead of U.S. Open

Retired tennis great Monica Seles said she was diagnosed three years ago with myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular autoimmune disorder that weakens voluntary muscles. The 51-year-old nine-time Grand Slam champion told the Associated Press she is speaking publicly for the first time ahead of the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 24, in hopes of raising awareness of the condition. Seles first noticed problems when she experienced double vision and unexpected weakness while hitting tennis balls with friends. Myasthenia gravis, which has no cure, affects roughly 60,000 people in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms often worsen with activity and improve with rest and can involve the eyes, limbs, and muscles used for speaking or swallowing. The International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee said she has partnered with Dutch drugmaker argenx on its 'Go for Greater' campaign to connect patients and encourage earlier diagnosis. She described adapting to what she calls a 'new normal' as another in a series of life resets that have punctuated her career and post-tennis life.