From Movie Double to US Open Debut: The Incredible Story of Thea Frodin

A Debut at Flushing Meadows

Building a Competitive Resume on Tour

Frodin secured her place in the main draw of the Flushing Meadows major following a dominant run in the under-18 national girls’ tournament two weeks prior. The draw pitted the American teenager directly against Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion and one of the tour’s premier competitors. Up to 2026, Frodin’s competitive resume largely comprised ITF-level tournaments and junior Grand Slam appearances. She previously received a wildcard into the qualifying rounds at the WTA Miami tournament earlier in the season, where she captured a set against world No. 55 Viktorija Golubic.

From Hollywood Set to Grand Slam Stage

Before breaking through the professional ranks, Frodin spent part of her childhood on a Hollywood film set. At 12 years old, she was selected to double for a young Serena Williams during the tennis scenes of the biographical drama King Richard, which starred Will Smith and chronicled the early lives and training of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.

Frodin landed the movie role after sweeping the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles at a regional tournament for players under 10 in California. Following those results, film producers contacted her and invited her to audition. After successfully completing the tryout, she was hired to handle the on-court athletic movements for the film.

Channeling Inspiration from an Idol

“Remember that it was an incredible experience,” Frodin said in remarks cited by the WTA. “Playing tennis and being in front of the cameras turned out to be a great combination. I really had a wonderful time. I had the opportunity to work with great actors, and it was super fun.”

While Frodin worked alongside several members of the cast, including Smith, she did not cross paths with Serena Williams during production. Five years later, however, Frodin enters the same major tournament as the Williams family; Venus Williams also competed in the tournament’s opening rounds via a wildcard, dropping her first-round match to compatriot Sofia Kenin 2–6, 6–7(6).

“Playing the role of someone I have admired my whole life was very special,” Frodin said regarding her connection to Serena Williams. “It was an honor. She was one of the players I admired most when I started playing, and she is a great inspiration to me.”

Facing the World No. 2 With Calm Focus

Approaching her opening-round match against Rybakina, Frodin expressed calm focus rather than intimidation. “I wouldn’t say it’s nerves. It’s more like excitement,” Frodin noted. “This is a great opportunity to enjoy the moment, have fun, and see what I can do out there. The atmosphere, the bustle of the public… I feel like I fit well in that environment. I’ve always imagined myself in that situation.”

The scheduled first-round contest highlights a stark contrast in ranking and experience on the WTA tour, pitting a teenager ranked No. 580 globally against a top-tier Grand Slam champion vying for the top spot in the world rankings.