Ashley Harkleroad seemingly has no regrets about her pending divorce.
The former tennis star and Playboy model offered upbeat remarks after her husband, fellow ex-tennis pro Chuck Adams, filed for divorce earlier this month following 16-plus years of marriage.
Adams cited “irreconcilable differences,” according to TMZ.
“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 lifelong friend it’s time for me to live my life on my own terms,” Harkleroad said to TMZ.
“I deserve that. Freedom.”
Harkleroad, 40, and Adams, 54, wed in September 2009, which marked her second marriage after her previous union with fellow tennis star Alex Bogomolov Jr.
Adams, is seeking joint custody of the couple’s 17-year-old, Charlie, and 15-year-old, Cissy, which includes visiting, while she would receive physical custody, per TMZ.
He reportedly also has taken measures to prevent the courts from giving Harkleroad spousal support., and seeks to amend his divorce filing after he deals with assets and debts.
Harkleroad recently posted a screenshot of an US Weekly story about their split to her Instagram.
“The way they search court documents is crazy. It’s like kicking a horse when it’s down!” she posted. “Yes I’m fine. Getting some sweet messages :).”
Harkleroad enjoyed modest success during her tennis career, peaking at No. 39 in the world rankings and going 213-140 while collecting more than $1 million in prize money, per her wtatennis.com profile.
She retired in 2012, and later served as a Tennis Channel analyst and commentator.
The California native made history in 2008 when she became the first professional tennis player to pose for Playboy.
