Thea Frodin prepares for US Open main-draw debut against Elena Rybakina
6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 11:51 AM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Seventeen-year-old Thea Frodin will make her main-draw singles debut at the US Open after earning a wildcard entry. The teenager secured her spot by winning the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships. Frodin faces world number two Elena Rybakina in the opening round on Tuesday. Known for her past work as a body double for a young Serena Williams in the film 'King Richard,' Frodin has transitioned to professional competition following a successful junior career, which included a semi-final appearance at the Australian Open girls' singles. She previously made her WTA Tour qualifying debut in Miami and is currently ranked 580th in the world. As she prepares for her upcoming match, Frodin aims to maintain her focus while navigating her first appearance at a major tournament.
- •Thea Frodin earned a wildcard by winning the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships.
- •Frodin is scheduled to play world number two Elena Rybakina in the first round on Tuesday.
- •The teenager previously worked as a body double for the film 'King Richard'.
- •Frodin reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open girls' singles earlier this year.
- •Serena and Venus Williams are scheduled to compete in the doubles event.
- 6:55 PMBleacher Report — What to Know About Thea Frodin, Serena Williams' Former Movie Body Double Making US Open Debut At 17 - Bleacher Report
- 11:51 AMYahoo Sports — Serena Williams’ Body Double from 2021 Biopic “King Richard” Set to Make Debut at US Open at 17
- 1:05 AMYahoo Sports — Thea Frodin was Serena Williams' body double in 'King Richard.' Now she's playing in the US Open
- 5:41 PMYahoo Sports — This Teen Tennis Star Making Her U.S. Open Debut Has A Special Connection To Serena Williams
- 10:04 AMYahoo Sports — From playing Serena Williams on screen to following in her footsteps
- 9:58 AMBBC News — US Open 2026: Thea Frodin follows in Serena Williams' footsteps after playing idol in 'King Richard' film - BBC
- 9:58 AMBBC Sport — From playing Serena Williams on screen to following in her footsteps
"Thea Frodin is playing her first U.S. Open singles match against the No. 2 player in women's tennis. It's a big task for the 17-year-old, but Frodin hits the ball like Serena Williams. In the 2021 film “King Richard,” Frodin was the body double for actor Demi Singleton, who played the younger Williams.
"Having played a young Serena Williams on the big screen, teenager Thea Frodin is ready to follow in the American great's footsteps at the US Open.
"Having played a young Serena Williams on the big screen, teenager Thea Frodin is ready to follow in the American great's footsteps at the US Open.
Sources
External links- Bleacher ReportSep 1, 2026, 6:55 PMWhat to Know About Thea Frodin, Serena Williams' Former Movie Body Double Making US Open Debut At 17 - Bleacher Report
Thea Frodin is making her U.S. Open debut against No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina in the first round on Tuesday.
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 11:51 AMSerena Williams’ Body Double from 2021 Biopic “King Richard” Set to Make Debut at US Open at 17
Thea Frodin is following in Williams’ footsteps as she enters the tournament on Tuesday, Sept. 1
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 1:05 AMThea Frodin was Serena Williams' body double in 'King Richard.' Now she's playing in the US Open
Thea Frodin is playing her first U.S. Open singles match against the No. 2 player in women's tennis. It's a big task for the 17-year-old, but Frodin hits the ball like Serena Williams. In the 2021 film “King Richard,” Frodin was the body double for actor Demi Singleton, who played the younger Williams.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 5:41 PMThis Teen Tennis Star Making Her U.S. Open Debut Has A Special Connection To Serena Williams
It’s somewhat of a full-circle moment for Thea Frodin, who says she’s looked up to the six-time U.S. Open champ her entire life.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 10:04 AMFrom playing Serena Williams on screen to following in her footsteps
Having played a young Serena Williams on the big screen, teenager Thea Frodin is ready to follow in the American great's footsteps at the US Open.
- BBC NewsAug 31, 2026, 9:58 AMUS Open 2026: Thea Frodin follows in Serena Williams' footsteps after playing idol in 'King Richard' film - BBC
Having played a young Serena Williams on the big screen, teenager Thea Frodin is ready to follow in the American great's footsteps at the US Open.
- BBC SportAug 31, 2026, 9:58 AMFrom playing Serena Williams on screen to following in her footsteps
Having played a young Serena Williams on the big screen, teenager Thea Frodin is ready to follow in the American great's footsteps at the US Open.
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