Tennis-From Serena Double to US Open Debut, 17-Year-Old Frodin Gets Her Own Stage
The 17-year-old earned a wild card by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships and faces the world No. 2 in round one.
- Seventeen-Year-Old American Thea Frodin will make her US Open main-draw debut against world number two Elena Rybakina in the opening round at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
- Frodin portrayed a young Serena Williams in the 2021 film 'King Richard' and earned her tournament wildcard by winning the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships in San Diego earlier this month.
- Following an ankle injury that forced her withdrawal from the US Open mixed doubles, Rybakina expects to play; Frodin acknowledged the challenge, stating, "I'm expecting a battle."
- At Flushing Meadows, Serena Williams—whom Frodin portrayed on screen—is also competing in women's doubles alongside her sister, Venus Williams, creating a unique convergence.
- Having climbed more than 400 ranking positions since the end of 2025, Frodin signals her emergence as a significant prospect despite facing an overwhelming favorite in her debut.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Once young Serena Williams on screen, Thea Frodin braces for US Open debut
Thea Frodin, who played a young Serena Williams in King Richard, is set to make her Grand Slam debut at the US Open. The 17-year-old American faces world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in a challenging first-round clash.
On Tuesday, 17-year-old Thea Frodin (WTA 585th), who played a body double for a young Serena Williams in the film "King Richard" five years ago, will make her Slam debut at the US Open tennis championship.
Thea Frodin played the young Serena Williams in King Richard. Now the 17-year-old debuts at the US Open against number 2 in the world, Elena Rybakina.
Serena Williams’ ‘King Richard’ Double Makes US Open Main-Draw Debut
Serena Williams’ teenage “King Richard” body double begins her own US Open story against one of tennis’ biggest stars. The post Serena Williams’ ‘King Richard’ Double Makes US Open Main-Draw Debut appeared first on HEAVY.
From Serena double to US Open debut, 17-year-old Frodin gets her own ...
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