American tennis player Emma Navarro has announced that she will end her 2026 season due to ongoing health issues. The 25-year-old, ranked 24th in the world, revealed that she has been battling with her body for three years as she achieved success on the court. Navarro, a three-time WTA tournament champion, made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that she will skip the remainder of the 2026 campaign to prepare for a return in 2027.
Navarro was diagnosed with relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism last year. Her condition led to dizziness, headaches, and fatigue, making it difficult for her to compete. The American tennis player began feeling frustrated and angry in 2023, often becoming sick and struggling with cognitive function. Navarro reached as high as eighth in the world rankings after a semi-final run at the 2024 US Open but became ill in China weeks later.
Navarro's health issues worsened to the point where she couldn't think straight, remember things, or articulate thoughts. Her brain and body felt slow and tired, forcing her to re-evaluate her training and competition routine. After meeting with doctors and specialists last November, Navarro was told that she had been under-fueling for years and her body was fighting back. She began working on her nutrition and fueling protocols to recover from the deficit.
Navarro has made progress in her recovery, gaining weight and energy to train and compete without feeling drained. She won the WTA Strasbourg title in May and reached her fourth Grand Slam quarter-final at this month's US Open. However, Navarro decided to end her 2026 season to focus on her health and prepare for a strong return in 2027. She aims to "feel back to 100% again" by working on her medication and fueling protocols.
Navarro's condition, RED-S, occurs when the body does not receive the energy needed to support daily life and physical activity. Her diagnosis and subsequent treatment have allowed her to regain control over her health. Navarro expressed her relief and gratitude for the progress she has made, stating that she has "enough energy to seize every day, to train and compete as hard as I want to and to live a life outside of tennis."
Navarro's decision to end her 2026 season is a significant blow to her fans and the tennis community. However, her focus on her health and well-being is a positive step towards a long-term career. The American tennis player has shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and her fans eagerly await her return to the court in 2027.
Navarro's announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in professional sports. Her experience highlights the need for athletes to listen to their bodies and take proactive steps to maintain their physical and mental health. As Navarro prepares for her return to tennis, her fans and fellow athletes will be watching with interest and support.
Key points
- Emma Navarro, 25, will end her 2026 season due to ongoing health issues, including relative energy deficiency in sport and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.
- Navarro aims to "feel back to 100% again" by working on her medication and fueling protocols in preparation for a strong return in 2027.
- The American tennis player's diagnosis and treatment serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in professional sports.
