Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Thea Frodin Makes US Open Debut, Hopes to Meet Serena
Thea Frodin is a 17-year-old tennis player who played in the US Open for the first time.
She once acted as Serena Williams's tennis double in the movie King Richard.
Even though she has been connected to Serena for years, she has never met her.
Frodin lost her first match to Elena Rybakina, one of the world's top players.
She said playing against Rybakina taught her what elite tennis is like.
Frodin wants to keep improving her aggressive style of play.
She will also compete in the girls' US Open.
After finishing high school, she will decide whether to become a professional or play college tennis.
Thea Frodin, 17, made her US Open debut five years after doubling for Serena Williams in King Richard.
Frodin lost 6-1, 6-1 to world number two Elena Rybakina on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
She earned a wildcard by winning the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships.
Frodin hopes to meet Serena Williams, who is competing in doubles with her sister Venus Williams.
She plans to play the girls' US Open, finish high school, and then choose between professional and college tennis.
- Who
- Thea Frodin, Serena Williams, and Elena Rybakina are central to the story.
- What
- Frodin made her US Open debut and lost to Rybakina 6-1, 6-1.
- When
- Frodin made her debut on Tuesday; she plans to play the girls' US Open the following week.
- Where
- The match took place on Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows.
- Why
- Frodin received a wildcard after winning the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships and entered the tournament as a rising young player.
- Player
- Thea Frodin, 17
- Debut result
- Lost 6-1, 6-1 to Elena Rybakina
- Opponent ranking
- Rybakina was ranked world number two
- Wildcard qualification
- Frodin won the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships
- Film connection
- She portrayed Serena Williams's tennis double in King Richard
- Next step
- She plans to play the girls' US Open
- Career decision
- She intends to finish high school before choosing professional or college tennis