Emma Navarro, the 25-year-old tennis star, has recently opened up about the health issues that have plagued her for the past three years. In a candid post shared on Instagram on 30 September, she revealed her diagnoses of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Hashimoto’s disease, two conditions that have had a significant impact on her performance and well-being.
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Navarro explained that her health struggles began to intensify in 2021, a year during which she played a remarkable 88 matches across the ITF and WTA tours. Although she achieved considerable success, winning four ITF titles and reaching high rankings—including the eighth position in the world—she also faced numerous physical challenges that ultimately compelled her to take a step back from the sport.
The tennis player described her experience with RED-S, a condition that arises when there is a lack of sufficient energy to support the demands of athletic performance and everyday life. Navarro noted that in the fall of 2025, after battling various puzzling symptoms, the diagnosis was finally made. “I was diagnosed with RED-S, in which your body does not receive enough energy,” she stated. She also lamented how this condition intertwined with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, creating a complicated landscape of dietary adjustments and medication management.
During her time on the court, Navarro experienced changes in her mental health. She revealed that she had begun to feel emotions like irritability and frustration to a degree that was unfamiliar to her. This mental strain, coupled with physical symptoms such as brain fog and dizziness, began to affect her performance. “I couldn’t think straight a lot of the time,” she admitted, highlighting how these challenges encroached upon her ability to compete effectively.
Towards the end of 2025, Navarro decided to pause her career to focus on her health. She undertook a multifaceted approach to regain her well-being, including altering her diet, increasing her energy intake, and consulting various doctors and nutritionists. “We worked to properly address a hypothyroid condition that had also worsened over time,” she explained. After a period of adjustment, she began to notice improvements, gradually reclaiming her ability to perform and feel physically well.
Despite these challenges, Navarro experienced a resurgence in her career by winning the Strasbourg title earlier this year and subsequently advancing to the quarterfinals of the US Open. However, her health remains a priority. She commented on the toll that constant travel and competition can take on athletes, emphasising that the rigours of the tour exacerbated her pre-existing health concerns.
Navarro has also faced negative comments regarding her body image following weight gains this year. In her Instagram post, she addressed these remarks directly, stating, “So yeah, I gained some weight this year. But I also gained my life back.” This public confession highlights her resilience and determination to prioritise her health over societal expectations.
Looking ahead, Navarro has made the decision to sit out the remainder of the 2026 season, dedicating time to refine her medication and nutrition strategies. “I can hopefully feel back to 100% again,” she said, expressing her intent to return to the court for the Australian Open in January 2027.
Through her posts and public appearances, Navarro aims to raise awareness around the importance of mental and physical health in sports, particularly women’s athletics. Her journey serves as a reminder that the path to recovery and peak performance can often be non-linear, requiring patience, support, and, above all, self-care. Fans and fellow athletes alike will be eager to see how Navarro navigates her health challenges and continues to excel in her sport in the future.