Tennis Star Monica Seles, 52, Reflects on Resilience After Decades of Challenges

The 9-time Grand Slam champion opens up about overcoming a devastating attack and navigating life with myasthenia gravis.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Tennis legend Monica Seles, now 52 years old, has faced immense personal and health challenges throughout her career, including a traumatic stabbing attack in 1993 that derailed her tennis success and a recent diagnosis of the rare autoimmune condition myasthenia gravis in 2022. Despite these setbacks, Seles remains grateful and is working hard to maintain her physical and mental health as she adapts to living with her new medical condition.

Why it matters

Seles' story of resilience in the face of adversity resonates with many, highlighting the importance of mental health support and access to resources for athletes and public figures dealing with trauma and chronic illness. Her openness about her journey also helps raise awareness and understanding of myasthenia gravis, a lesser-known autoimmune disorder.

The details

In 1993, Seles was stabbed by an obsessed fan of rival player Steffi Graf during a tournament in Germany, an attack that not only caused physical injuries but also deeply impacted her mental well-being and derailed her tennis career. After years of hard work, Seles was able to make a comeback, but she continued to face challenges, including the death of her father in 1998. In 2022, Seles was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness. She has been open about the difficulties of adapting to life with this new health condition, including the need to adjust her travel and daily routines.

  • In 1993, Seles was stabbed during a tournament in Germany.
  • Seles was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 2022.
  • Seles' father passed away in 1998.

The players

Monica Seles

A 9-time Grand Slam champion and tennis legend who has faced significant personal and health challenges throughout her career, including a traumatic stabbing attack in 1993 and a recent diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in 2022.

Gunther Parche

An obsessed Steffi Graf fan who stabbed Seles during a tournament in 1993, derailing her tennis career.

Steffi Graf

A rival tennis player whose obsessed fan attacked Seles in 1993.

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What they’re saying

“I had grown up on a tennis court – it was where I felt most safe, most secure – and that day in Hamburg, everything was taken away from me. My innocence. My rankings, all my income, endorsements – they were all cancelled. And the one person who could have comforted me, really, who understood what it meant, my father, was of course facing this awful illness.”

— Monica Seles (The Guardian)

“Once I was diagnosed, it was like a relief, but also it was a challenge. Even coming here today — in the old days, traveling would be a no-brainer. Now I had to get packing tips. I had to learn a new way to live with MG.”

— Monica Seles (ABC News)

What’s next

Seles continues to work with her medical team to manage her myasthenia gravis and maintain her physical and mental health. She remains committed to raising awareness about the condition and supporting others facing similar challenges.

The takeaway

Seles' story is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the ability to overcome even the most devastating setbacks. Her resilience and openness about her journey inspire others facing their own health and personal battles to persevere and find gratitude in the face of adversity.