EXCLUSIVE: Tennis Icon Monica Seles Battling Rare and Incurable Nerve Disease That Could Impact Movement In Her Arms and Legs – ‘She’s a Fighter and Will Meet This Challenge Head-on’

Tennis legend Monica Seles is clinging to hope after disclosing her diagnosis of a rare and incurable nerve disorder, which severely impacts her mobility and poses serious risks to her respiratory function, RadarOnline.com reports.

The 51-year-old, who has claimed nine Grand Slam singles titles, is battling myasthenia gravis—an autoimmune disease where the immune system disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, leading to difficulties in swallowing, speaking, using limbs, and, potentially, breathing, according to sources.

Notably, Hollywood icon Laurence Olivier also battled myasthenia gravis earlier in life, which affected his speech and his ability to act before he succumbed to renal failure at the age of 82 in 1989.

Seles began noticing symptoms such as double vision and weakness in her limbs approximately three years ago. She commented, “During family games, I often found myself missing balls because I was seeing double. These signs were unmistakable.”

She added, “The condition significantly affects my daily activities. Even something as simple as styling my hair has become a challenge.”

Monica Seles burst onto the international scene at the tender age of 16, claiming her first French Open title in 1990. Just three years later, while sharing the world’s number one ranking with fierce competitor Steffi Graf, Seles became a victim of a shocking attack by a deranged fan, Günter Parche, who stabbed her during a match in Germany.

Despite facing devastating consequences, including trauma-related emotional struggles and an eating disorder, Seles made a resilient return to the sport in 1995, winning at the Canadian Open.

While myasthenia gravis is currently an incurable disease, researchers continue to work tirelessly seeking potential cures and better management strategies.

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An insider shared, “Monica has endured immense challenges throughout her life, but she embodies a fighting spirit that is unmistakable. She is determined to confront this condition with courage and is hopeful for advancements towards a cure.”

They added, “Until that time comes, she is committed to raising awareness about myasthenia gravis and supporting others facing similar battles.”