Emma Navarro has announced she will take the remainder of the 2026 tennis season off to focus on her health and intends to return for the Australian Open in January. Navarro, who reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals last month, shared on social media her diagnosis of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.
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RED-S affects the body's ability to sustain heavy physical activity due to insufficient energy, while Hashimoto's hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition impacting thyroid function, leading to a slower metabolism. In her Instagram post, Navarro emphasized her commitment to health, stating, "I have learned that there is no weight on the scale or leanness in your limbs that is more valuable than your health or your well-being."
Navarro plans to use this time to adjust her medication and refine her nutrition strategies in order to regain her health. She achieved a career-high ranking of No. 8 in 2024 and was recognized as the Most Improved player on the women's elite tour.
Despite experiencing increased hunger and immune system issues since 2023, Navarro had continued to compete at a high level. During her quarterfinal run at the 2025 Australian Open, she suffered headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, leading to her diagnosis in November 2025. "Over the past year, I have gone all in. Changing my diet, increasing my energy intake ... although it took a while to start feeling better, I gradually made progress," Navarro noted, also acknowledging that gaining weight was part of reclaiming her health.