Ashley Harkleroad Calls Divorce 'Freedom' After 16-Year Marriage

  • By Imani
  • April 26, 2026, 3 p.m.

A New Chapter for Ashley Harkleroad

Ashley Harkleroad, the former tennis sensation who turned heads globally in 2008 as the first active professional player to pose nude for Playboy, is making headlines again. Now 40, Harkleroad has put the spotlight on her personal life, confirming her divorce after a 16-year marriage and declaring her new status as single.

Back in 2003, Harkleroad reached a career-high ranking of 39 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), establishing herself as a formidable force on the court. Her star power only grew when she took the daring step of posing for Playboy while still ranked 72nd globally. Today, she steps into the limelight once more, emphasizing her newfound independence. "I got married at 19, I've spent most of my life listening to men, obeying them," she shared with TMZ. "Now it's time for me to live my life my way."

Freedom and Empowerment

“I deserve it. Freedom,” Ashley expressed, embodying the spirit of her new chapter.

Having retired from professional tennis in 2012, Harkleroad has since found a different path, sharing intimate images on Instagram and engaging with fans through an OnlyFans account. Her recent statements underscore a shift towards personal empowerment and self-reliance, as she steps away from past constraints.

Divorce Details

The divorce from Chuck Adams, whom she married in 2009, comes with its own set of complexities. Adams, a tennis player and coach himself, is seeking joint custody of their two children, aged 17 and 15. Citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split, Adams has also requested that the court not award alimony to Harkleroad.

As Harkleroad turns a new page, her story resonates with empowerment and a fresh start, echoing her earlier trailblazing spirit both on and off the court.

Imani
Author: Imani
Imani

Imani

Imani follows the money: payouts, contracts, lawsuits, and platform enforcement. With a background in entertainment PR and paralegal work, she breaks complex stories into plain-English playbooks for creators. Her series Follow the Money connects drama to data - who benefits, who pays, and what to do next. Calm, sourced, and courtroom-ready; DTLA is her second office.