Monica Ceres Opens Up About Health After Rare Diagnosis

Monica Ceres, a nine-time Grand Slam champion, is speaking publicly for the first time about her health struggles following a rare diagnosis. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular autoimmune disease.

Having recently been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Ceres, now 51, shared her journey in an interview, aiming to raise awareness about the condition. She explained that when she first received her diagnosis in 2023, her reaction was one of confusion, saying, “What?” She emphasized the importance of sharing her experience, wanting others in similar situations to feel connected and supported.

Ceres recalled a moment on the tennis court that raised her concerns. Noticing double vision while playing, she admitted it was unusual for someone of her caliber—missing the ball was a significant red flag. With a stellar career that includes multiple titles at the Australian Open and French Open, it was a stark reminder that something was amiss. “I’m going to play with some kids and families, and I’m going to miss the ball. ‘Yeah, I see two balls.’ These symptoms were hard to overlook,” she said. It took her some time to fully comprehend and openly discuss her diagnosis.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to muscle weakness, affecting roughly 20 individuals per 100,000 globally. The disease predominately impacts women under 40 and men over 60.

Common symptoms include blurred and double vision, and general weakness in various muscle groups. While there isn’t a cure, there are treatments that can alleviate some of the symptoms.

Reflecting on her diagnosis, Ceres described it as a “reset,” something she has experienced multiple times throughout her life, including during significant moments of her tennis career. “In tennis terms, a reset—like a hard reset—has happened several times,” she remarked. She recounted moving to the U.S. at 13 without knowing the language and the immense challenges she faced afterward. “When I was stabbed in 1993 during a match, that was another major reset,” she explained.

Ceres, who paused her career for about two years after the 1993 incident, mentioned her last Grand Slam title in 1996. But now, facing this new challenge, she’s drawing on the resilience she’s taught younger players. She said, “You have to adjust at all times. The ball is bouncing off, and you just have to adjust. That’s what I’m doing now.”