She was Serena Williams’ body double at 12 - Now she is playing at the US Open

Monday, 31 August 2026 at 10:30

Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario shot in King Richard

Thea Frodin has already played Serena Williams once. It happened five years ago, under Hollywood lights, when the then-12-year-old American was brought in to help recreate the childhood of one of tennis' greatest champions for King Richard. On Monday, Frodin will face a very different kind of spotlight when she walks onto a US Open court for the first time.

What makes the story even stranger is that Serena will be there too. Frodin's Grand Slam debut comes at the same tournament where Williams won six singles titles, with the teenager joining her former on-screen subject in the US Open field. But this time, Frodin is not standing in for anyone. She earned her place herself.

The 17-year-old secured a wildcard by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships in San Diego, beating Janae Preston 6-1, 6-0 in the final. She arrives in New York ranked No. 580, but her ranking tells only part of the story after a rapid rise through the junior and professional ranks this season.

Frodin has gone 18-10 in singles in 2026 and climbed more than 400 ranking places since the end of last year. She also reached the Australian Open girls’ singles semifinals and has already tested herself against established professionals, including taking former world No. 35 Viktorija Golubic to three sets in Miami.

The role has changed completely

Frodin's connection to Serena began long before she had any realistic idea that she might eventually share a Grand Slam tournament with her.

She spent around six months working on King Richard, helping recreate the younger Serena's tennis scenes alongside a production led by Will Smith. Years later, she still speaks about the experience with admiration for the player she once helped portray.

"I just remember it being a blast," says Frodin to WTA. "Being able to play tennis and be on camera, two great combos. I truly had such an amazing time. I got to be alongside some really cool actors, and it was super fun."

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In a 2023 interview with CBS News, she described Serena as “amazing” and “very inspiring,” adding that she admired “the way she presents herself on court” and her “beautiful fighting spirit.”

Now Frodin has the opportunity to show that fighting spirit herself.

Her first Grand Slam opponent, however, could hardly provide a more severe introduction. She will face Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 seed, in the opening round — a player who enters the tournament with expectations of going deep rather than simply experiencing the occasion.

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Frodin knows the level will be different from anything she has faced in juniors. “Obviously I am going to expect a different level from the times that I've played Juniors,” she said.

“But I've prepared really well. Obviously, I have more to do, but I'm feeling good physically, mentally and I'm just excited and expecting a grind and battle for every match.”

That is the real significance of Frodin's story. The Serena Williams connection makes it remarkable, but it is not what put her name into the US Open draw.

Five years ago, she helped tell somebody else's tennis story. Now, with Serena watching from the same tournament grounds, Frodin gets to start writing her own.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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