Thea Frodin has started writing her own tennis story after making her Grand Slam main-draw debut at just 17.
Five years earlier, Frodin was on a movie set playing the body double for a young Serena Williams in King Richard. Now, the California teenager has stepped onto the US Open court as a real tennis player, facing one of the sport’s top stars.
Frodin entered the 2026 US Open main draw as a wildcard and faced Elena Rybakina, the Australian Open champion. Although she lost 6-3, 6-2, the teenager earned praise from Rybakina for her “great shots.”
Thea Frodin Makes Her Grand Slam Debut At 17
Frodin’s appearance at the US Open was a major moment in her young tennis career. Playing in the WTA Tour main draw at 17 meant stepping onto one of the biggest stages in the sport.
She knew the challenge would be difficult. Rybakina was the higher-ranked and more experienced player, but Frodin approached the opportunity with excitement rather than fear.
“I’ve only dreamed of moments like this. The fact that I’m here right now, and able to experience it in real life, is still a little bit shocking to me,” Frodin said before the match.
The teenager also understood the level of competition waiting for her. She described Rybakina as a top player and said she hoped to bring out her best level during the match.
From King Richard Body Double To Real Tennis Court
Frodin’s path to the US Open carries an unusual connection to tennis history. At only 12 years old, she landed a role as Serena Williams’ body double for the 2021 film King Richard.
The film tells the story of Serena and Venus Williams and their journey toward professional tennis with the support of their father, Richard Williams. Frodin served as the body double for Demi Singleton, who played the younger Serena Williams in the movie.
Her tennis ability helped her earn the opportunity. Before the audition, Frodin had already won singles, doubles and mixed doubles sectional titles in California at the 10-and-under level. She later spent six months working on the film set.
Serena Williams Connection Gives Frodin’s Story More Meaning
Frodin’s connection to Serena makes her US Open appearance especially interesting. She once helped bring the story of a young Serena to life on screen. Five years later, she was creating a tennis moment of her own on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
There is also an unusual detail to their story. Despite playing Serena’s body double in the film, Frodin has never actually met the tennis legend in person.
Still, the experience gave Frodin an early connection to a story that has inspired generations of young athletes. Her own journey now shows how a young girl who once helped recreate Serena’s story for a movie is beginning to build a story of her own.
Thea Frodin Faces Elena Rybakina At The US Open
Frodin’s first Grand Slam match ended with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat against Rybakina. The result was not the one the teenager wanted, but competing in the main draw at 17 remains a significant achievement.
More importantly, Rybakina recognized flashes of quality in Frodin’s game. Her praise for the teenager’s “great shots” offered an encouraging sign after a difficult first major match.
For Frodin, the experience can become part of a much longer journey. Facing an established champion at such a young age gives her a chance to learn what it takes to compete at the highest level.
A New Tennis Chapter Begins For Thea Frodin
Frodin’s US Open debut may ultimately be remembered as the beginning rather than the defining moment of her career. At 17, she has time to develop her game and gain experience on the professional stage.
Her story also carries a powerful message for young girls watching tennis. A role that once placed her in the background of Serena Williams’ story has now been followed by an opportunity to stand in the spotlight herself.
She may not have won her first Grand Slam match, but Frodin has already reached a stage many young players dream about. Her next goal will be to build on this experience and continue developing into the player she hopes to become.
