Thea Frodin Makes Her Mark in U.S. Open After Hollywood Stint

Thea Frodin’s Journey from Hollywood to Tennis

Thea Frodin has embarked on a remarkable journey from the silver screen to the courts of the U.S. Open. Known for her role as the body double for Serena Williams in the movie King Richard, Frodin now faces a different challenge: her first singles match at the U.S. Open against Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 player in women’s tennis.

Early Achievements and Movie Role

Frodin, a Los Angeles native, secured her spot in the tournament by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships. This victory earned her a wild card entry, catapulting her into the spotlight. Her tennis career also led her to Hollywood, as she auditioned and was chosen as the body double for Demi Singleton, who portrayed a young Serena Williams in King Richard. During the six-month film shoot, Frodin worked alongside stars like Will Smith, an experience she describes as incredibly special.

Tennis on the Big Screen

Frodin feels at home with Serena Williams’ technique, due to her familiarity from watching the Grand Slam champion. Interestingly, replicating Serena’s strokes during the film shoot impacted Frodin’s own game. Adjusting back to her unique style took some time, despite being a prestigious player to emulate, which initially concerned her parents.

The Upcoming Challenge

Frodin’s upcoming match against Rybakina marks her debut at the WTA Tour level, having previously participated in U.S. Open doubles last year. Although she hasn’t yet met Serena or Venus Williams, she looks forward to potentially crossing paths with the tennis icons.

Balancing Tennis and Hollywood Dreams

As Frodin approaches her final year in high school, she hasn’t set her post-graduation plans in stone. While tennis remains her primary focus, she remains open to future Hollywood opportunities, enjoying the acting environment and hoping to balance it with her passion for tennis, potentially as a side pursuit.