The basketball ace - who filed his own divorce papers against the 'Desperate Housewives' star on Friday (19.11.10) - is not hoping to "escalate things" by counter-petitioning his estranged wife, who originally sought to end the marriage on Wednesday (17.11.10).
A friend explained: "He is just following standard procedure. This was not meant to escalate things.
"He filed his own papers to protect his rights during the proceeding. They are still committed to working this out together amicably."
Despite the claims, it is believed filing his own papers could lead to a bitter battle regarding where the divorce hearing will take place.
If the 28-year-old sportsman's petition is granted in Texas, the couple's marriage could be dissolved in as little as 60 days, whereas if the 35-year-old actress' wish for the hearing to take place in California is accepted, the divorce could take up to six months to go through.
Tony is now said to be coping with the breakdown of his marriage by focusing on his games with Texan basketball team the San Antonio Spurs.
The insider added to People magazine: "He's been coping by focusing on work. He has been relying on his teammates for support. Everyone at the Spurs has been so supportive of him."
