17-Year-Old Thea Frodin to Face Rybakina in First US Open Match
Thea Frodin, a 17-year-old junior standout, will play her first main-draw match at the US Open against second-seeded Elena Rybakina. Frodin previously served as a body double for a young Serena Williams in the 2021 film 'King Richard.' She earned her wild card by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls' 18s National Championships.
Frodin's path to the main draw came through her victory at the USTA Billie Jean King Girls' 18s National Championships, which secured her wild card entry. Her junior resume includes a semifinal appearance at the 2026 Australian Open and a runner-up finish in junior doubles at Wimbledon in 2025, along with quarterfinal runs in junior doubles at both the Australian Open and Roland-Garros this year.
Her film work involved replicating the strokes of a young Serena Williams for actress Demi Singleton in *King Richard*. She has expressed interest in meeting the Williams sisters, who are competing in doubles as a wild card during this year's tournament, calling such an encounter a dream opportunity.
Frodin's debut could inspire young junior players by demonstrating that success on the national circuit can lead to major-stage opportunities. Her connection to the *King Richard* film may draw casual viewers interested in her Hollywood tie, potentially broadening tennis's audience. The match against Rybakina could also highlight the growing depth of American junior talent, though her immediate impact on the sport's competitive landscape remains uncertain.