Thea Frodin, 17, is poised to make her Grand Slam main-draw debut at the 2026 US Open on Tuesday, five years after serving as Serena Williams' body double in the 2021 biopic "King Richard." Frodin will enter the tournament as a wildcard, facing Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour main draw.
"I’ve only dreamed of moments like this," Frodin said, according to the tournament's website. "The fact that I’m here right now, and able to experience it in real life, is still a little bit shocking to me." She added, "To be standing here right now and actually getting a chance to play in the main draw, it means everything. [Rybakina’s] No. 2 for a reason, so I’m expecting a battle. Hopefully, I can bring out my best level against her."
Frodin was 12 when she secured the role as Williams' body double. The film chronicled the rise of Serena and Venus Williams, guided by their father, Richard Williams. Frodin, who had been playing tennis her whole life, found the acting role familiar. She recalled that working with Will Smith, who portrayed Richard Williams and won an Oscar for the role, was a positive experience, and he offered her advice on set.
Despite portraying Serena Williams onscreen, Frodin has not met the tennis icon or her sister Venus in person. Serena Williams, 44, made a surprise return to the US Open this year, competing in mixed and women's doubles. She had announced her retirement from tennis in 2022 to focus on her family. Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, have two daughters, Olympia and Adira.