Monica Seles reveals MG diagnosis ahead of US Open

Tennis legend Monica Seles discusses her myasthenia gravis diagnosis to raise awareness before the US Open.

Monica Seles reveals MG diagnosis ahead of US Open

Monica Seles has disclosed she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis three years ago. In an interview with the Associated Press, the former world number one said she chose to speak publicly ahead of the US Open to raise awareness about the autoimmune disease MG. The Cleveland Clinic estimates MG affects about 20 in 100,000 people worldwide, with US figures around 60,000 at any given time.

Seles described how the diagnosis has changed her daily life and outlined the symptoms she noticed, such as double vision and weakness in the arms and legs. The Cleveland Clinic notes that MG can also affect facial muscles and speech and can make everyday tasks more challenging. The autoimmune form occurs when the immune system attacks itself and researchers are still uncovering why this happens. There is no cure, but treatment options including medications, thymus removal surgery and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. Some cases may go into remission, either temporarily or permanently, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Public figures speaking about health struggles can shift how audiences understand chronic illness and reduce stigma. Seles using the platform of a major sporting event to discuss MG shows how athletes can blend personal health with public advocacy. The move also highlights a broader question: how do fans balance support for an athlete with attention to a medical condition that may influence performance?

MG is rare and complex, and information matters. The article reinforces that treatment exists to ease symptoms even when there is no cure, and it underscores the need for accurate health literacy. As more stories surface, the public gains a clearer sense of what MG can mean in daily life and why ongoing research and access to care remain essential.

Highlights

Awareness and care go hand in hand for those living with MG