Tennis player Ashley Harkleroad is to appear in the August edition of Playboy and joins a long line of sports celebrities who have posed nude for the magazine.

“I was just lying there in hospital for three weeks, and an offer came to me. I thought about it and it was something that I did. I’m proud of my body,” said the Florida native whose pictures will appear in the August edition.

“I stay in shape and try to stay fit. I’m just trying to represent a female athlete and her body. That can be sexy too. It’s no big deal.”

Other famous athletes to have appeared in Playboy magazine include:

WWE professional wrestler Maria Kanellis - April 2008 edition

Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard - July 2007

WWE professional wrestler Ashley Massaro - April 2007

WWE professional wrestler Candice Michelle - April 2006

WWE professional wrestler Christy Hemme - April 2005

WWE professional wrestler Torrie Wilson - May 2003

Fitness instructor and TV personality Kiana Tom - May 2002

Professional volleyball player Gabrielle Reece - January 2001

Professional boxer Mia St. John - November 1999

Olympic figure skater Katarina Witt - December 1998

Source