Teen who portrayed Serena in film set for US Open debut against Rybakina
Thea Frodin, who served as a body double for a young Serena Williams in the movie 'King Richard', will make her Grand Slam main-draw singles debut at the US Open. The 17-year-old, ranked 580th, faces world number two Elena Rybakina in the first round. Frodin says the experience of mimicking Williams' strokes on set temporarily altered her own technique, which she had to correct afterward.
Frodin’s path to the main draw came through winning the USTA Girls’ 18s National Championships, a result that also secured her wildcard entry. Earlier this year, she reached the Australian Open girls’ singles semifinals and made her WTA qualifying debut in Miami, where she pushed former top-35 player Viktorija Golubic to three sets. Her junior doubles success includes a Wimbledon girls’ final appearance in 2025 alongside Julieta Pareja.
The film role required six months of intermittent work with Will Smith, who played Richard Williams. Frodin’s on-court mimicry of Serena’s strokes became so ingrained that her coaches had to intervene to restore her natural technique, particularly her backhand. She has never met the Williams sisters but hopes to connect with them during the tournament, calling any encounter “a dream.”
This debut could inspire young tennis players who see a relatable path from junior success to Grand Slam stage, especially those who balance unconventional experiences like acting. Frodin’s matchup against a top-ranked opponent may draw casual viewers curious about her film background, potentially broadening tennis’s audience. Her story also highlights how junior national titles can serve as a viable entry point into professional majors, reinforcing the importance of developmental pathways for emerging athletes.