Emma Navarro speaks about the syndrome she suffers from: "I have gained weight... but I have regained the will to live"

American tennis player Emma Navarro , former world No. 8 in the WTA rankings, opened up on social media with an emotional letter in which she summarizes the physical and psychological problems she has suffered over the last three years due to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which she was diagnosed with at the end of 2025.

The tennis player, who has decided to stop in order to recover 100% for next season, explained that this syndrome means that "the body does not receive enough energy to meet the demands of physical activity and daily life".

Navarro described episodes of irritability, frustration, anxiety, and anger that were unusual for her: "Something was not right. I was feeling emotions I had never experienced before, at least not to that extent." She also noted that she lost nearly 9 kilos during 2023 because she believed that losing weight could improve her performance.

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

But she wasn't getting better. " I was no longer able to think or remember things. My brain was functioning in slow motion and I was tired, just like my body. I woke up as tired as when I went to bed," she said. Despite everything, she became world number 8 after her semifinal at the 2024 US Open.'

After several consultations with specialists, the diagnosis arrived 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". She started to improve a few months ago, thanks to changes in her diet and blood sugar control.

"I have gained weight this year, that's true. But I have also regained my desire to live," she admitted. Now, she will rest in order to return with her sights set on the 2027 Australian Open .