The tennis world was shaken on April 30, 1993, when Seles was stabbed by a spectator during a match in Hamburg. The assailant, a fan obsessed with Steffi Graf, attacked Seles with the intent of restoring Graf to the No. 1 ranking. At the time, Seles had already won eight Grand Slam titles and was at the peak of her career. The incident left deep emotional scars and sidelined her from professional tennis for over two years. Despite the trauma, Seles made a triumphant return at the 1995 Canadian Open, winning the title and later reaching the U.S. Open final against Graf. She secured her final Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open in 1996.
Seles’ journey did not end with her tennis accolades. In 2019, she was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and double vision, further challenging her physically and mentally. Seles approached this diagnosis with the same determination she displayed throughout her career, continually adapting and resetting her approach to life and health. “Managing MG is a continuous adjustment,” Seles shared in a video interview from her Florida home, describing how some days she can play tennis and pickleball, while other days are marked by extreme symptoms.
Her resilience is not only evident in her comeback after the stabbing but also in her candidness about living with MG. Seles plans to attend the U.S. Open to raise awareness about her condition and continues to follow the sport closely. She remains engaged with the tennis community, mentoring younger players and expressing interest in television commentary, inspired by figures like Chris Evert.
Monica Seles’ story is one of repeated resets—overcoming adversity, redefining her identity, and inspiring countless fans worldwide. Her legacy as a champion, survivor, and advocate makes her one of the most respected and beloved figures in tennis history. For a deeper look at her life and achievements, visit her WTA profile or follow her updates on Twitter.