Elena Rybakina advanced to the second round of the 2026 US Open on Tuesday, dispatching 17-year-old wildcard Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2 on Grandstand Court.
But the win came with some lingering questions.
Elena Rybakina Answers Doubts with US Open 2026 1st Match
Rybakina, the No. 2 seed, had been dealing with an Achilles injury she sustained during the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals just two weeks earlier. She showed no signs that the ankle was bothering her over the course of the 74-minute match, saving both break points she faced while converting three of her own.
Frodin, meanwhile, gave the Flushing Meadows crowd plenty to remember.
Serena Williams's Former Body Double Thea Frodin Makes Memorable Debut
The California teen, who once served as a body double for Serena Williams in the 2021 film King Richard, hammered 11 aces, reaching speeds of 122 MPH on serve.
But 21 unforced errors and three double faults undercut the firepower. Rybakina recognized the potential afterward, calling Frodin's game "great" but noting it was "just a matter of experience, being more stable."
Frodin earned her main-draw spot by winning the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships. For Rybakina, the result keeps her pursuit of the world No. 1 ranking on track heading deeper into the draw.
