Key Highlights
- Emma Navarro said she has experienced physical and psychological problems linked to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) for nearly three years.
- Navarro was diagnosed with RED-S in November 2025 after losing nearly 9 kilos in 2023 and experiencing severe fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
- The former world No. 8 is taking time away from tennis to recover and is targeting a return at the 2027 Australian Open.
Emma Navarro Opens Up About RED-S and Its Impact on Her Tennis Career
American tennis player Emma Navarro has detailed the physical and psychological difficulties she experienced over the past three years after being diagnosed with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). In an emotional letter shared on social media, Navarro said she had decided to step away from competition to focus on making a full recovery before next season.
Navarro explained that RED-S occurs when “the body does not receive enough energy to meet the demands of physical activity and daily life”. She described experiencing irritability, frustration, anxiety and anger that felt unusual for her. “Something was not right. I was feeling emotions I had never experienced before, at least not to that extent.”
The American player also said she lost nearly 9 kilos during 2023 because she believed that losing weight might improve her performance. Despite the change, her condition did not improve, and she said her lack of energy began affecting both her body and her ability to think.
I had gone almost three years without energy. My body was fighting in every possible way. It had been screaming at me for years and I ignored it
Emma Navarro
Diagnosis Came After Years of Fatigue and Cognitive Problems
Navarro said she eventually struggled to think and remember things, while her brain felt as though it was working in slow motion. She also described persistent exhaustion, saying she woke up feeling as tired as when she went to bed.
Those difficulties occurred during a period in which Navarro continued to achieve major results on court. She reached the semifinals of the 2024 US Open and rose to world No. 8 in the WTA rankings.
After several consultations with specialists, Navarro received her diagnosis in November 2025. “I had been without energy for almost three years. My body was fighting in every possible way. It had been screaming at me for years and I was ignoring it”.
Navarro Reports Improvement After Changes to Her Diet
Navarro said her condition began to improve a few months ago after she made changes to her diet and worked on controlling her blood sugar. She acknowledged that she had gained weight during the year, but said the change had been accompanied by a significant improvement in her wellbeing.
“I have gained weight this year, that’s true. But I have also regained my desire to live,” she admitted.
Navarro will now take time away from tennis to continue her recovery. Her stated goal is to return at the 2027 Australian Open.
Why This Matters
Navarro’s account highlights how RED-S can affect athletes beyond physical performance, including energy levels, mood, concentration and memory. Her decision to pause her career also underlines the importance of identifying and addressing health problems even when an athlete continues to produce high-level results.
For Navarro, the next step is continued recovery through dietary changes, blood sugar control and time away from competition, with the 2027 Australian Open identified as her target return event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport?
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, or RED-S, occurs when the body does not receive enough energy to meet the demands of physical activity and daily life.
When was Emma Navarro diagnosed with RED-S?
Emma Navarro said she was diagnosed in November 2025 after consultations with several specialists.
When does Emma Navarro plan to return to tennis?
Navarro is taking time to recover and is targeting a return at the 2027 Australian Open.
