A high-profile tennis marriage has come to an end as Chuck Adams filed for separation from his wife, former professional tennis player Ashley Harkleroad, according to court records obtained by TMZ Sports. The filing, submitted on Monday, April 14, 2026, marks the conclusion of a relationship that spanned more than 16 years.
Adams cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the separation in the court documents. The couple, who married on September 22, 2009, share two minor children, ages 17 and 15. According to the filing, Adams is seeking joint custody of both children, with physical custody going to Harkleroad and visitation rights for himself.
The separation documents reveal that Adams has requested the court terminate its ability to award spousal support to Harkleroad. Regarding the division of assets and debts, Adams stated in the filing that the true nature and extent of these matters remain unknown at the time of submission. He has requested permission to amend the petition once financial details are fully determined.
Both Adams and Harkleroad built careers in professional tennis, though their paths differed significantly. Adams competed professionally during the 1990s, earning one career singles title and compiling an 83-93 overall record. Following his playing career, he transitioned to coaching and worked with Harkleroad during her competitive years.
Harkleroad achieved a top 40 ranking in 2003 during her tennis career, establishing herself as a formidable competitor on the professional circuit. However, she became perhaps best known for a controversial decision in August 2008 when she became the first active tennis professional to pose for Playboy magazine. The move generated significant media attention and sparked debate within the tennis community about the intersection of athletics and commercial ventures.
Harkleroad retired from professional tennis in 2012, closing the chapter on her competitive career. In recent years, she briefly maintained an OnlyFans account, continuing her willingness to explore opportunities beyond traditional athletic pursuits. This marriage to Adams was her second; she was previously married to tennis professional Alex Bogomolov Jr. before the union with Adams.
The separation filing represents a significant personal transition for both parties, who have been intertwined professionally and personally for nearly two decades. As the legal proceedings move forward, the primary focus will likely center on custody arrangements for their teenage children and the equitable division of marital assets once fully disclosed.
Neither Adams nor Harkleroad has issued public statements regarding the separation at this time. The case will proceed through the family court system in the coming months as both parties work toward a resolution that serves the best interests of their children while navigating the dissolution of their long-standing marriage.