Thea Frodin prepares for US Open debut against Elena Rybakina
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 11:49 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Seventeen-year-old Thea Frodin is set to compete in her first Grand Slam main draw at the 2026 US Open. The Southern California native earned her spot in the tournament after winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships. Frodin previously worked as a body double for Serena Williams in the 2021 film King Richard. She faces a significant challenge in the opening round against No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina. Rybakina recently withdrew from the Cincinnati tournament and the US Open mixed doubles draw due to an ankle injury. Despite the health concerns, the world No. 2 has returned to practice and is expected to compete in the match.
- •Thea Frodin qualified for the US Open by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships.
- •Frodin previously worked as a teenage stunt and body double for Serena Williams in the film King Richard.
- •No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina enters the match following an ankle injury that forced her withdrawal from the Cincinnati event.
- •Frodin has climbed more than 400 ranking positions since the end of 2025.
- 11:55 PMYahoo Sports — Thea Frodin, who depicted Serena Williams as ‘King Richard’ body double, makes US Open debut
- 3:35 PMPage Six — Thea Frodin, Serena Williams' 'King Richard' body double, set to make US Open debut at 17 - Page Six
- 11:49 PMYahoo Sports — Serena Williams’ ‘King Richard’ Double Makes US Open Main-Draw Debut
"NEW YORK — Five years ago, Thea Frodin depicted Serena Williams in the Oscar-winning movie “King Richard,” performing as a body double. In a full-circle moment Tuesday afternoon, Frodin competed in a tournament that Williams long dominated. Frodin, 17, made her WTA Tour debut in the first round of the US Open, losing to second-seeded Elena Rybakina 6-3, 6-2 at the Grandstand stadium. Despite ...
"Serena Williams’ teenage “King Richard” body double begins her own US Open story against one of tennis’ biggest stars. The post Serena Williams’ ‘King Richard’ Double Makes US Open Main-Draw Debut appeared first on HEAVY.
"The teen athlete will make her debut as a wildcard, playing against Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina in the Women’s Tennis Association Tour main draw.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 11:55 PMThea Frodin, who depicted Serena Williams as ‘King Richard’ body double, makes US Open debut
NEW YORK — Five years ago, Thea Frodin depicted Serena Williams in the Oscar-winning movie “King Richard,” performing as a body double. In a full-circle moment Tuesday afternoon, Frodin competed in a tournament that Williams long dominated. Frodin, 17, made her WTA Tour debut in the first round of the US Open, losing to second-seeded Elena Rybakina 6-3, 6-2 at the Grandstand stadium. Despite ...
- Page SixSep 1, 2026, 3:35 PMThea Frodin, Serena Williams' 'King Richard' body double, set to make US Open debut at 17 - Page Six
The teen athlete will make her debut as a wildcard, playing against Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina in the Women’s Tennis Association Tour main draw.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 11:49 PMSerena Williams’ ‘King Richard’ Double Makes US Open Main-Draw Debut
Serena Williams’ teenage “King Richard” body double begins her own US Open story against one of tennis’ biggest stars. The post Serena Williams’ ‘King Richard’ Double Makes US Open Main-Draw Debut appeared first on HEAVY.
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