Former tennis star and Playboy model Ashley Harkleroad says she is relieved to have ‘freedom’ for the first time since her teenage years after splitting from her husband.
TMZ reported on Monday that Chuck Adams, 54, submitted court documents earlier this month to part ways with Harkleroad, 40, after more than 16 years of marriage.
The filing reportedly claims he cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the cause behind his intention to separate. The couple, who tied the knot back in September 2009, have two children together aged 17 and 15.
After their impending divorce became public knowledge, Harkleroad has broken her silence in a statement on Tuesday, in which she celebrates being free to ‘live life on my own terms.’
‘I got married when I was 19 years old, I’ve spent the majority of my life listening to men, obeying them, my dad, my coach who was also my husband, and although he is an incredible father and life long friend it’s time for me to live my life on my own terms,’ Harkleroad told TMZ.
‘I deserve that. Freedom.’
Ex-tennis star and Playboy model Ashley Harkleroad has spoken out on her impending divorce
Chuck Adams has filed for separation of marriage from Harkleroad after more than 16 years
As part of the separation filing, Adams is reportedly seeking joint custody of their two children. Physical custody will go to Harkleroad and he will have visitation rights.
He has also requested to block the court’s ability to award spousal support to Harkleroad.
Like Harkleroad, Adams also enjoyed a brief spell in professional tennis and won one singles title in his career.
Following his time on the court, he went into coaching and worked with his future wife as she broke into the world’s top 50 in 2003.
But it was her exploits off the court that grabbed the most attention because in August 2008 she became the first active tennis player to pose for Playboy.
In a particularly racy shoot, Harkleroad stripped completely naked for the cameras in a tennis-themed production.
Harkleroad famously posed naked for Playboy in a racy tennis-themed shoot back in 2008
‘I thought about it, and it was something that I did,’ she said of the Playboy shoot. ‘I’m proud of my body. I was representing a female athlete’s body.’
The American turned professional in 2000 and enjoyed a successful twelve-year career, winning eight singles titles. She also played in all four Grand Slams but never made it past the third round of any as a singles player.
She did, however, reach the quarterfinals in doubles at both the Australian Open and French Open.
Harkleroad eventually retired from tennis in 2012 and even set up as an OnlyFans model for a brief spell. She has also worked as an analyst for The Tennis Channel.
