Thea Frodin, a rising star in American tennis, is set to make her main-draw singles debut at the US Open, a significant milestone in her young career. This moment is particularly poignant for Frodin, who once portrayed a young Serena Williams on screen in the acclaimed film 'King Richard'.
Five years ago, when she was just 12 years old, Frodin took on the role of a body double for the actress playing the childhood version of Williams, the legendary tennis player and 23-time Grand Slam champion. This unique experience allowed her to work closely with actor Will Smith, who starred as Richard Williams, the father of both Serena and Venus Williams.
Reflecting on her time on set, Frodin expressed her admiration for Serena, stating, "Being able to play the role of somebody that I looked up to for my whole life was super special. I was honoured. She was one of the players that I looked up to most, just when I was starting to play. She's such an inspiration to me." This connection to her idol has undoubtedly fueled her passion for the sport.
As she prepares for her debut at the US Open, Frodin finds herself facing a formidable opponent in world number two Elena Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion and a two-time major winner. Frodin, currently ranked 580th in the world, earned her spot in the tournament by winning the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Girls' 18s National Championships, mirroring the path taken by Venus Williams, who is also competing in the tournament.
Frodin is eager to embrace the atmosphere of her home Grand Slam. "I'm trying to stay in the moment as much as possible," she said. "This is a huge opportunity for me to enjoy the moment, have fun and see what I can do. The atmosphere, how loud the crowd will be, I feel like I fit well in that environment."
Her journey to this point has been marked by significant achievements, including reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open girls' singles earlier this year, which stands as her best result in junior competition at a major. Additionally, she made her qualifying debut on the WTA Tour in Miami, where she faced off against former world number 35 Viktorija Golubic.
Despite the challenges ahead, Frodin is excited about the opportunity to compete at such a high level. "To be standing here right now and actually getting a chance to play in the main draw, it means everything," she remarked, acknowledging the strength of her opponent Rybakina. "[Rybakina] is number two for a reason, so I'm expecting a battle. Hopefully, I can bring out my best level against her."
While Frodin has yet to meet the Williams sisters in person, she remains hopeful for an opportunity to connect with them during the tournament. "Hopefully, if I get a chance to hit with them or just meet them, anything, I’ll take it," she said. "That would be incredible. That would be a dream." As she steps onto the court for her first match, Frodin carries with her the inspiration of Serena Williams and the hopes of a promising future in tennis.
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