Emma Navarro ends 2026 season early after revealing health struggles

Emma Navarro has ended her 2026 season early after disclosing a prolonged struggle with relative energy deficiency in sport, known as RED-S, and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Reuters reported that the 25-year-old American outlined her experience in an Instagram post on Wednesday and hopes to return for next year's Australian Open.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TltadV2-9z0

Navarro said she would use the remainder of the year to refine her medication and fueling arrangements, with the aim of feeling fully well again. According to Reuters, she had experienced increased hunger and a weakening immune system from 2023 but continued competing through a demanding tennis schedule. Her planned Australian Open return remains a goal rather than a confirmed comeback date.

BBC Sport reported that Navarro lost approximately 14kg during 2023 and 2024, even as her results improved. She described irritability, frustration and unfamiliar anger during the week of her first WTA title in Hobart. Outward progress had helped obscure problems she initially pushed aside while exceeding her own expectations on court.

The BBC account said headaches, dizziness, fatigue and other symptoms continued through 2025 before consultations with doctors, nutritionists and specialists helped her recognise she had been under-fueling. She was diagnosed with RED-S late that year and subsequently learned she also had Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. The difficulties contributed to nine defeats in her opening 13 matches of 2026 and her withdrawal from Charleston.

There was nevertheless a significant competitive recovery in May. The WTA's official report records Navarro's 6-0, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Victoria Mboko in the Strasbourg final. It was her third tour singles title, her first on clay and her first tournament triumph in 15 months, following earlier successes in Hobart and Merida.

Navarro entered that Strasbourg final ranked 39th and defeated the ninth-ranked Mboko to secure her second WTA 500 trophy. Reuters reported that she later reached the quarter-finals of the US Open earlier this month. Her decision to stop competing therefore follows a season that included both substantial results and continuing health concerns.

Navarro also described improvement away from match results. In comments reported by the BBC, she said gaining weight had accompanied renewed energy for training, competition and everyday life beyond tennis. She is missing the Asian swing as she focuses on recovery for next season.