Seventeen-year-old Thea Frodin is set to make her U.S. Open singles debut this week, facing world No. 2 Elena Rybakina. This marks a full-circle moment for the young tennis player, who previously portrayed a young Serena Williams in the 2021 sports drama "King Richard."
Frodin served as a junior stunt and body double for Williams in the film, a role she took on at 12 years old after her performance in a California youth tennis tournament caught filmmakers' attention. She told WTA Tennis that the role required her to "imitate Serena’s game," despite her own style being different. Frodin described playing the role of someone she looked up to her entire life as "super special" and an honor.
"I’ve only dreamed of moments like this," Frodin said in a feature on USOpen.org. "The fact that I’m here right now, and able to experience it in real life, is still a little bit shocking to me."
During the filming of "King Richard," Frodin recounted an instance of kindness from Will Smith, who starred as Richard Williams. She shared that after they were "absolutely drenched" by rain on set, Smith provided her with a cup of hot water to pour down her back to prevent her from catching a cold.
Frodin has not yet met Serena or Venus Williams, though the sisters are scheduled to compete together in the women's doubles competition later this week. Frodin expressed a desire for the chance to meet them or even hit with them on the court, calling it "a dream."
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