Thea Frodin Set to Make US Open Debut After Portraying Serena Williams

Thea Frodin, a rising star in tennis, is preparing to make her main-draw singles debut at the US Open, following her unique experience of portraying a young Serena Williams in the Oscar-nominated film 'King Richard'.

Five years ago, Frodin was cast as a body double for the actress playing her idol, working alongside Will Smith, who depicted Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Serena and Venus. Reflecting on the experience, Frodin expressed her honor in playing someone she admired throughout her life.

Now, at 17 years old and ranked 580th in the world, Frodin is set to face world number two Elena Rybakina in her first match at the prestigious tournament. She earned her spot in the competition by winning the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships, mirroring the path taken by Venus Williams.

Frodin's journey has been marked by significant achievements, including reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open girls' singles and making her WTA qualifying debut in Miami. As she prepares for her match, she is focused on enjoying the moment and embracing the vibrant atmosphere of the US Open.

Having spent time on set mimicking Serena's playing style, Frodin noted that her coaches had to help her return to her natural game after filming. Now, she is eager to showcase her skills on one of tennis's biggest stages.