Thea Frodin — a 17-year-old set to make her U.S. Open singles debut this year — has already played six-time champion Serena Williams, even though the two have never actually met.
Frodin portrayed a young Williams in the 2021 sports drama “King Richard,” serving as a junior stunt and body double in the film.
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Now, as she gears up for her debut in a tournament that Williams dominated in the first chapter of her career, she’s hoping to bring her best to New York during her opening round match against world No. 2 Elena Rybakina on Tuesday.
“I’ve only dreamed of moments like this,” said Frodin in a recent feature on USOpen.org.
“The fact that I’m here right now, and able to experience it in real life, is still a little bit shocking to me.”
Frodin got the part in “King Richard” when, at just 12 years old, her stellar performance in a California youth tennis tournament caught filmmakers’ attention.
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The role, she previously revealed to an Italian tennis site, required her to “imitate Serena’s game” despite her style being “different.”
“Being able to play the role of somebody that I looked up to for my whole life was super special,” said Frodin in a recent feature for WTA Tennis.
“I was honored. She was one of the players that I looked up to most, just when I was starting to play, and she’s such an inspiration to me.”
Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.America’s Thea Frodin hits the ball against Poland’s Maja Pawelska during an opening-round match in the girls’ singles bracket at the 2026 Australian Open in January. Frodin made it to the semifinals. Daniel Kopatsch via Getty ImagesShe told WTA Tennis that Will Smith, who starred as Richard Williams, the father of Serena and Venus Williams, showed remarkable kindness toward her.
One example, she said, is when they got “absolutely drenched” after rain swept through the set. She said Smith came prepared with a cup of hot water and poured it down her back to make sure she didn’t get a cold.
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In November 2021, she shared a sweet selfie with Smith, who eventually won an Oscar for his portrayal of Williams.
Frodin said she’s yet to meet either of the Williams sisters, both of whom will compete as a duo in the women’s doubles competition later this week.
She said she hopes she’ll get the chance to meet them or to hit with them on the court, adding, “That would be a dream.”
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