When she was 12-years-old, Thea Frodin spent six months learning to hit like Serena Williams… on a film set. Now, at 17, she'll take the court as a wildcard entry in the 2026 US Open main draw on Tuesday.
"Being able to play the role of somebody that I looked up to for my whole life was super special," Frodin said of doubling for a young Williams in the Oscar-winning film, King Richard.
Thea Frodin's Journey From Serena Williams's Stand-in to US Open Wildcard
Frodin shot for half a year alongside star Will Smith, who toted hot water to the court on cold days to keep her warm. But the role seeped into her game. Frodin picked up Williams's signature backhand so naturally that her coaches had to retrain her once filming wrapped.
"I got used to her strokes," Frodin explained. "My coaches were a bit frustrated because I naturally started to hit like her."
But Frodin soon rediscovered her own form. She earned her US Open spot by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls' 18s National Championships. She's also enjoyed a rapid rise in the WTA rankings. Frodin gained more than 400 spots since late 2025, earning an 18-10 singles record this season.
Her reward? A first-round matchup at Flushing Meadows against No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina.
Should she get past the Australian Open winner, Frodin hopes to run into her sports idols on the practice courts in Queens.
"Hopefully, if I get a chance to hit with them or just meet them, anything, I'll take it," Frodin said of the Williams sisters. "That would be a dream."
