Thea Frodin, who once had to hit like Serena Williams in a movie, brought her own formidable serve to the court on Tuesday at the U.S. Open.
Making her WTA Tour and Grand Slam debut, the 17-year-old California native fell 6-3, 6-2 to second seed Elena Rybakina.
Frodin delivered 11 aces during the match, almost doubling the total of her opponent, who is recognized as one of the finest servers in women's tennis.
"She played really well today and she has great shots," Rybakina said.
In the 2021 film "King Richard," Frodin worked as a body double for actor Demi Singleton, who played the younger Williams sister.
Frodin earned an audition after winning 10-and-under California sectional titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, going on to spend six months working on set.
Thea Frodin serves against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan during their Women's Singles First Round match (Getty)Will Smith earned an Oscar for his portrayal of Richard Williams, father to both Serena and Venus.
Frodin gained entry into the U.S. Open main draw after winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships to secure a wild card.
With the Grandstand crowd chanting her name, Frodin trailed 5-1 and faced match point before striking back-to-back aces, followed by another to deny Rybakina a third match point and hold serve. Rybakina ultimately closed out victory on her fourth opportunity with her sixth ace.
Rybakina will claim the world No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka if she reaches the semifinals, or if the two-time defending champion fails to win the tournament.
The shocks have already begun at the US Open, as 23-time Grand Slam champion and fourth seed Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest exit at a major in 20 years, losing in the first round.
The Serb broke down in tears as he fell in five sets to Mariano Navone, in a match where he physically struggled with the heat and humidity and threw up several times.
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