Thea Frodin has played a tennis player on the big screen. Now, the 17-year-old is making her own debut at the U.S. Open. Frodin notably took on the role of the body double for young Serena Williams in the 2016 film King Richard, which told the story of the Williams sisters and their rise in the tennis world.
“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 in an interview with US Open. “To be standing here right now and actually getting a chance to play in the main draw, it means everything.”
Five years ago, Thea Frodin played the role of a young Serena Williams in King Richard. Tomorrow, she’ll make her US Open debut competing
in the same tournament as the real Serena. Hollywood couldn’t write a better storyline 🎾 pic.twitter.com/Z8gX9hdG1S
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) August 31, 2026
Frodin will face off against Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 ranked player in the world and the winner of the Australian Open. While the on-court match will be a challenge, the fact that Frodin has made it to the same event as the idol she once portrayed is beyond impressive.
The rising star will get her first swing at the US Open at 11 a.m. ET on September 1.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Meet Serena Williams' body double from 'King Richard' making U.S. Open debut
