Monica Seles: From Tennis Prodigy to Resilient Advocate
Monica Seles, a name synonymous with tennis brilliance, has lived a life marked by meteoric rise, profound trauma, and inspiring resilience. Born on December 2, 1973, in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Seles became a global tennis sensation in the early 1990s. Her journey, however, took an unexpected turn in 1993, leading her to redefine her life and legacy.
Early Life and Tennis Ascendancy
Monica Seles’ tennis journey began at a tender age, guided by her father, Károly Szeles. By 16, she had already made history by becoming the youngest-ever French Open champion in 1990. Her aggressive baseline play and emotional intensity captivated audiences worldwide. Between 1991 and 1992, Seles amassed eight Grand Slam singles titles, dominating the women’s circuit alongside her rival, Steffi Graf.
The 1993 Stabbing: A Life-Altering Incident
On April 30, 1993, during a quarterfinal match at the Citizen Cup in Hamburg, Germany, Monica Seles’ life was irrevocably changed. Günter Parche, an obsessed fan of Steffi Graf, entered the court and stabbed Seles in the back with a boning knife while she was sitting between games. The attack left her with a three-quarters-of-an-inch wound near her spine, narrowly missing vital organs. Though the physical injury was not life-threatening, the psychological impact was profound. Seles struggled with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and an eating disorder, leading her to step away from professional tennis for over two years.
Return to Tennis and Subsequent Challenges
In August 1995, Seles made a courageous return to the tennis world at the Canadian Open. Her comeback culminated in winning the 1996 Australian Open, marking her ninth Grand Slam title. Despite this success, she never fully regained her previous dominance. In 2003, Seles played her final professional match at the French Open.
Life Beyond Tennis: Advocacy and Personal Life
Advocacy and Health Challenges
In recent years, Monica Seles has become a prominent advocate for mental health and chronic illness awareness. In August 2025, she publicly revealed her diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG), a chronic neuromuscular autoimmune disease. Seles shared that symptoms like double vision and muscle weakness began affecting her daily life, prompting her to seek medical attention. She has since partnered with the immunology company argenx to raise awareness about MG .
Personal Life and Marriage
Monica Seles is married to Tom Golisano, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist. The couple tied the knot after a five-year relationship, with Golisano being 32 years her senior . They share a life away from the public eye, focusing on their shared interests and philanthropic endeavors.
Legacy and Impact
Monica Seles’ legacy transcends her achievements on the tennis court. Her resilience in the face of adversity has inspired countless individuals worldwide. Through her advocacy, she continues to impact the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses and mental health challenges. Seles’ story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Monica Seles married.
Conclusion
Monica Seles’ life is a narrative of triumph, tragedy, and transformation. From a teenage tennis prodigy to a survivor and advocate, her journey reflects the complexities of fame, the depths of personal struggle, and the heights of human resilience. As she continues to inspire and educate, Seles remains a beacon of hope and strength for many.
