Ashley Harkleroad Open to Life After Divorce

Ashley Harkleroad seems to be embracing her upcoming divorce without any regrets.

The former tennis player and Playboy model shared her positive outlook following her husband, Chuck Adams, also a former tennis professional, filing for divorce earlier this month after more than 16 years of marriage.

Adams cited “irreconcilable differences.”

“I got married at 19. Most of my life has been about following men. I chose to follow my coach, who was also my father and my husband. He’s been a great father and a lifelong friend, but it’s time for me to live by my own standards,” Harkleroad remarked.

“I deserve this. I’m free now.”

At 40, Ms. Harkleroad and Mr. Adams, 54, tied the knot in September 2009, marking their second marriages after her previous union with fellow tennis player Alex Bogomolov Jr.

Reports suggest that Adams is seeking joint custody of their two children, 17-year-old Charlie and 15-year-old Cissy, with physical custody going to Charlie. He’s also trying to avoid any spousal support for Harkleroad and is looking to amend the divorce paperwork regarding their assets and debts.

Recently, Harkleroad shared a screenshot of a US Weekly article about their separation on Instagram, expressing her thoughts on the situation. “The way they search through court documents is just wild. It feels like kicking a fallen horse! But I’m okay—I’ve had some nice messages :)”

During her tennis career, Harkleroad achieved a ranking of No. 39, accumulating 213 wins against 140 losses and earning over $1 million in prize money.

She retired in 2012 and later worked as an analyst for the Tennis Channel.

Ashley made headlines in 2008 as the first professional tennis player to pose for Playboy magazine.