Thea Frodin, a 17‑year‑old from Los Angeles, made her U.S. Open singles debut on Wednesday, drawing world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the first round. Frodin earned a main‑draw wild card after winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships, marking her first appearance at WTA Tour level.
Frodin first entered the public eye as the on‑court body double for the younger Serena Williams in the 2021 biopic King Richard. She stood in for actress Demi Singleton during six months of filming, sharing the set with actors including Will Smith, who portrayed Richard Williams.
The young player says her familiarity with Williams’ game helped her replicate Serena’s strokes for the film, but it also influenced her own technique. “After the movie I got into the habit of playing with her strokes and couldn’t switch back to mine,” she told reporters, adding that her parents noticed the change.
Frodin, who also competed in U.S. Open doubles last year, has not yet met Serena or Venus Williams. She remains focused on tennis while completing her final year of high school, but expressed interest in balancing a possible acting career with sport, describing the experience as “a side gig” she would welcome.
