Thea Frodin, Serena Williams' 'King Richard' body double, set to make US Open debut at 17

Seventeen-year-old tennis player Thea Frodin has made her debut at the 2026 US Open. Frodin previously worked as a body double for her idol, Serena Williams, in the 2021 biographical film King Richard. Coverage from multiple outlets details how the teen transitioned from depicting her tennis hero on the silver screen to competing on the professional Grand Slam stage. In her opening match at the tournament, Frodin faced off against No. 2 Elena Rybakina, ultimately losing the match in her Grand Slam debut. Outlets including the Associated Press, ABC News, BBC, ESPN, USA Today, The Independent, Yahoo Sports, New York Daily News, 10TV, Bleacher Report, The Daily Beast, Page Six, and People.com have extensively covered her appearance.

Media reports emphasize the unique cinematic background of the young athlete alongside her athletic progression. Coverage highlights that Frodin follows in the footsteps of Williams after portraying the tennis icon in the film. Specific publications such as Yahoo Sports explored details surrounding Frodin's personal life, including her parents, coach, siblings, and ethnicity, while Bleacher Report published biographical details to inform readers what to know about the teenager prior to her match. The widespread reporting captures the intersection of Hollywood and professional sports as the young competitor steps onto the court at Flushing Meadows. Background information provided in the coverage notes that King Richard was released in 2021, focusing on the upbringing of tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams.

Frodin's involvement as a body double during the production of that film has served as a central narrative hook for journalists reporting on her current athletic career. While coverage does not yet specify the long-term professional trajectory of the seventeen-year-old following her loss to Rybakina, the tournament itself has marked a major milestone in her athletic visibility. Looking ahead, coverage from the US Open Tennis official channels notes that Frodin's next move involves the 2026 US Open Junior Championships. Journalists and sports commentators are tracking her transition from the main draw match against Rybakina into the junior competition bracket. As coverage continues to unfold, further details regarding her upcoming matches, coaching staff, and future tournament appearances will depend entirely on official announcements and subsequent reporting from sports media outlets.