“I’m Proud of My Body”- All You Need to Know About the First American Tennis Player to Star on Playboy’s Cover

Tennis players often take up other jobs along with playing. While many do it for additional income, others do it as a side activity. However, apart from their jobs, what’s most common amongst the prominent entities is featuring on the cover of magazines. Similar was the case with Ashley Harkleroad.

Going back in time, Harkleroad had a decent tennis career. Turning pro in 2000, Harkleroad steadily climbed the ladder of success, reaching a career-high ranking of 39 and winning 8 singles titles. However, apart from her tennis career, the Georgia-born player made the headlines for becoming the first active tennis player to feature on the cover of the infamous Playboy magazine.

When Ashley Harkleroad became the face of Playboy

Achieving on-court stardom in a relatively short span of time, Ashley Harkleroad also became a prominent entity out of the tennis world. Considering the massive fan following, in 2008, she was offered to be on the cover of Playboy magazine. Taking up the offer, she went on to pose topless for the cover. The issue of the magazine went on to be titled, ‘U.S. Tennis Star Reveals All’.

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While the magazine performed extravagantly well for the company, it sparkled a round of controversy for the American player. Featuring on the cover, she went on to become the first tennis star to feature on the cover of Playboy magazine. Reportedly, Harkleroad took inspiration from seven-time Olympic medalist, swimmer Amanda Beard, who had previously featured on the magazine.

Despite receiving criticism, Harkleroad stood firm on her decision saying, “I thought about it, and it was something that I did.” Going further, she also asserted, “I’m proud of my body. I was representing a female athlete’s body.”

Following the cover, she headed back to tennis. However, not being able to gain back the momentum, she finally announced her retirement from the sport in 2012.

Harkleroad’s engagement after her tennis retirement

Looking at her personal life, Harkleroad is married to former ATP player Chuck Adams. In 2009, the two gave birth to their son, Charlie. Two years later, the two gave birth to their daughter, Loretta. Following her retirement from tennis, Harkleroad now hopes to see her daughter shine on the tennis court.

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Going through her Instagram, one can see how Harkleroad helps to get the best out of her 11-year-old daughter on the court. Apart from her family life, Harkleroad, known for her inch perfect body, joined the adult content streaming platform, Onlyfans. Reportedly, the subscription to her Onlyfans account costs 8 pounds per month.