Thea Frodin notes no contact from Serena Williams after U.S. Open debut
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 1:39 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Seventeen-year-old Thea Frodin made her U.S. Open debut on Tuesday, falling in straight sets to No. 2 Elena Rybakina. Following the match, Frodin addressed her history as the body double for a young Serena Williams in the film King Richard. Frodin confirmed that she has not received any direct communication or congratulations from Williams in the five years since the movie's release. The two never met during or after the filming process, which involved Frodin replicating Williams' tennis strokes over a six-month period. Frodin indicated she remains hopeful for future contact while noting that the tennis icon was likely occupied with other commitments. Despite the lack of interaction with Williams, Frodin did receive a social media acknowledgment from actor Will Smith regarding her work in the production.
- •Thea Frodin lost in straight sets to Elena Rybakina during her U.S. Open debut.
- •Frodin served as the body double for Serena Williams in the movie King Richard.
- •Frodin and Serena Williams have never met in person.
- •The teenager confirmed receiving no direct contact from Williams regarding her tennis career.
- •Will Smith previously acknowledged Frodin on social media for her role in the film.
- 1:39 PMYahoo Sports — U.S. Open Teen Makes Surprising Revelation About Serena Williams After Loss
"Thea Frodin, who performed the action sequences as a young Williams in “King Richard,” talked about a missing piece in her career ascent.
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