NEW YORK (AP) — Emma Navarro has announced that she will take the remainder of the tennis season off to focus on her health, with plans to return for the Australian Open in January. Navarro recently lost to Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open. In a social media post on Wednesday, she revealed that she has been diagnosed with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
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RED-S is a condition resulting from insufficient energy intake to support physical activities, while Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder that affects thyroid function and slows metabolism. Navarro expressed her commitment to health over performance, 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."
She plans to use her time off to adjust her medication and fueling protocols to regain her health. Navarro reached a career-high ranking of No. 8 in 2024 after her semifinal appearance at the U.S. Open, where she also received recognition as the Most Improved player on the women’s elite tour.
Since 2023, she has reported increased hunger and a weakening immune system, which she initially tried to manage while maintaining her busy tennis schedule. During her quarterfinal run at the 2025 Australian Open, Navarro experienced headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. She received her diagnosis in November 2025.
In her statement, she acknowledged the challenges she faced, mentioning that she had to make dietary changes and increase her energy intake. "Although it took a while to start feeling better, I gradually made progress. So yeah. I gained some weight this year. But I also gained my life back."