Seventeen-year-old American tennis player Thea Frodin is set to make her main-draw singles debut at the US Open, according to BBC reports. Five years ago, Frodin worked as a tennis-playing body double for the actress portraying a young Serena Williams in the Oscar-nominated film King Richard. The 2021 biographical drama chronicled Richard Williams—portrayed by actor Will Smith—guiding his daughters Serena and Venus from the public courts of Compton, California, to the pinnacle of tennis.
From Hollywood Double to Flushing Meadows Main Draw
At just 12 years old, Frodin secured the role after sweeping the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles at a 10-and-under sectional tournament in California, prompting producers to reach out for an audition. She spent six months on set replicating young Serena’s strokes. Frodin later noted that she naturally began copying the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s technique—particularly her backhand—requiring her coaches to help her rediscover her own style.
Earning a Wildcard at the USTA Nationals
Frodin earned her place in the women’s singles draw at Flushing Meadows by winning the singles title at the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships in San Diego earlier in August. During the tournament, she defeated Julieta Pareja 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4) in the semifinals before overcoming Janae Preston 6-1, 6-0 in the championship match.
That victory earned the Southern California native—who still lives in Woodland Hills but trains full-time in Nashville—a wildcard into her home Grand Slam main draw, alongside a $140,000 payday. Entering the tournament ranked No. 580 in the world, Frodin has climbed more than 400 ranking positions since the end of 2025. Her recent junior and professional milestones include:
- Reaching the girls’ singles semifinals at the 2026 Australian Open.
- Finishing as runner-up in girls’ doubles at Wimbledon in 2025 alongside Julieta Pareja.
- Reaching her first professional final at the ITF W35 tournament in Arcadia, California, in February.
- Making her WTA qualifying debut in Miami against Viktorija Golubic.
Facing a Formidable First Test Against Elena Rybakina
For her opening match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Frodin faces a daunting assignment against world number two Elena Rybakina, a two-time major winner and reigning Australian Open champion. Rybakina enters the matchup as an overwhelming favorite, carrying a resume that includes the 2026 Australian Open title, a WTA Finals title late last season, a Stuttgart championship, and finals appearances in Indian Wells and Toronto.
She’s number two for a reason, so I’m expecting a battle. Hopefully, I can bring out my best level against her,
Frodin told Rediff. This is a huge opportunity for me to enjoy the moment, have fun and see what I can do.
Full Circle With the Williams Sisters at the US Open
Although Frodin worked alongside Will Smith on the set of King Richard—where the actor famously advised her to pour hot water down her back to offset the coolness of the rain between takes—she never met Serena or Venus Williams during filming. That could potentially change at Flushing Meadows, where both Serena and Venus are competing this year in the women’s doubles draw.
Hopefully, if I get a chance to hit with them or just meet them, anything, I’ll take it,
Frodin said. That would be incredible. That would be a dream.
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