Thea Frodin makes US Open debut after playing young Serena Williams in ‘King Richard’

Thea Frodin US Open King Richard Elena Rybakina tennis

Thea Frodin, the 17-year-old tennis player who portrayed a young Serena Williams in the 2021 film ‘King Richard’, made her US Open debut on Tuesday. Competing in her first WTA Tour Grand Slam match, the California native faced world No. 2 Elena Rybakina.

Frodin lost the match 6-3, 6-2, but demonstrated significant power, recording 11 aces during the contest. She earned her spot in the tournament via a wild card after winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships.

Frodin noted that while her previous role involved mimicking the playing style of the Williams sisters, she maintains her own aggressive style of play. Actor Will Smith, who played Richard Williams in the film, acknowledged her debut on social media.

Entities

Elena Rybakina · Serena Williams · Thea Frodin · Will Smith

Sources

De Hollywood al US Open: la història de pel·lícula de Thea Frodin [www.3cat.cat]

11 days ago

From playing Serena Williams on screen to following in her footsteps [asaaseradio.com]

10 days ago

Thea Frodin, who was Serena Williams' body double in 'King Richard,' loses in her US Open debut [www.whec.com]

11 days ago

Serena Williams on Returning to Tennis, Doubles With Venus, and Training on GLP-1s [www.elle.com]

10 days ago