Monica Ceres, a former Grand Slam champion known for her impressive two-handed playing style, is now facing a different challenge—one that isn’t just about tennis.
At 51, the International Tennis Hall of Famer has disclosed that she has been privately battling a rare neuromuscular condition known as Myasthenia Gravis for the past three years.
“It’s tough,” she said. “It really affects my daily life.”
Just before the 2025 US Open kicked off in Flushing Meadows, Ceres decided to break her silence and raise awareness for this chronic condition, which she wasn’t familiar with until she became affected.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is a rare autoimmune disorder that leads to muscle weakness, impacting functions of the eyes, face, neck, arms, and legs.
In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks itself, producing antibodies that block or destroy the receptor sites necessary for muscles to receive signals from the brain.
With fewer working receptors, communication between the brain and body falters, resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue, even with simple daily activities.
What Are the Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?
More than half of those with Myasthenia Gravis experience initial symptoms related to the eyes, such as double vision and drooping eyelids.
About 15% notice early signs affecting the facial and throat muscles, which can result in unclear speech or a nasal tone, difficulties in chewing and swallowing, and altered facial expressions.
- Neck, arm, and leg muscles can weaken, complicating tasks like lifting objects or walking steadily.
Ceres first noticed something was off while in court. “I was playing with some kids and I missed the ball. ‘Yeah, I see two balls.’ Those were some clear symptoms,” she recounted.
Then, her muscle strength declined further. “Even just blowing my hair… it’s really challenging,” she said.
Symptoms often worsen with use but can improve with rest, making diagnosis tricky.
“Patients can exhibit fatigue, leaving providers uncertain about how to proceed,” noted Dr. Beth Stein, an expert in neuromuscular diseases.
Who Is at Risk for Myasthenia Gravis?
While anyone can develop this condition, it’s more commonly diagnosed in women under 50 and men over 65.
It can affect individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, but is somewhat more frequent among those of African descent.
Though it’s still deemed rare, about 37 out of every 100,000 Americans are diagnosed, and this number appears to be rising. Experts suggest that improved life expectancy and better diagnostic tools contribute to this increase.
What Is the Outlook for Those With Myasthenia Gravis?
While there isn’t a cure, the condition can typically be managed effectively if caught early.
Treatment may consist of medications that suppress the immune system or intravenous immunoglobulin to help alleviate attacks on the nervous system.
Some people may also undergo surgery to remove the thymus gland, which can improve symptoms by modifying immune responses.
Another method is Plasmapheresis, where harmful antibodies are filtered out and replaced with healthier ones.
For Ceres, each day has become a process of adapting.
“Some days are really tough,” she mentioned. “Other days I manage to play tennis, pickleball, and walk my dog.”
“I tell the kids, ‘You have to adjust all the time. That ball is bouncing off, and you just need to adapt,'” Ceres reflected. “That’s what I’m doing now.”
Is Myasthenia Gravis Life-Threatening?
For the most part, no. Most individuals with Myasthenia Gravis can expect to live normal lifespans, though there are rare exceptions where it can lead to severe complications.
Serious weakening of the muscles responsible for breathing can occur, potentially leading to respiratory crises and requiring medical interventions like ventilators until strength returns.
