From playing Serena Williams on screen to following in her footsteps

Thea Frodin once played a young Serena Williams on the big screen. Now, the teenager is ready to follow in the American great's footsteps at the US Open.

Five years ago, Frodin was chosen as a tennis-playing body double for the actress cast as her childhood idol in the Oscar-nominated film 'King Richard'.

That involved the then 12-year-old working alongside actor Will Smith as he portrayed Richard Williams, the father of sisters Serena and Venus.

"Being able to play the role of somebody that I looked up to for my whole life was super special," Frodin told the WTA website. , external

"I was honoured. She was one of the players that I looked up to most, just when I was starting to play.

Now, Frodin will make her main-draw singles debut at her home Grand Slam, where Serena and Venus will this year team up in the doubles.

To make the occasion even more special, she has been drawn against world number two Elena Rybakina, a two-time major winner and the reigning Australian Open champion.

"I'm trying to stay in the moment as much as possible," said Frodin.

"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."

Venus Williams loses 15th match in row in 2am finish

Frodin, who is ranked 580th in the world, worked on set with Hollywood star Smith for a few days a week over a period of six months.

She has fond memories of her experience working with Oscar-winner Smith, who would always remember to bring hot water to shoots to keep Frodin warm during their cold, rainy days filming out on the courts.

During that time, she became so accustomed to playing like 23-time major singles champion Serena that her coaches had to help her rediscover her natural style.

"After I was done shooting, I got used to her strokes," Frodin told the US Open website.

"My coaches were a bit frustrated because I naturally started to hit like her.

"I picked up Serena's backhand, but I tried as much as possible to go back to my strokes."

Djokovic in tears during US Open first-round exit

It has not taken long for Frodin to secure her maiden appearance at the sport's highest level.

The 17-year-old earned a wildcard into this year's US Open women's singles competition - just as Venus Williams has done - by winning the United States Tennis Association' (USTA) Girls' 18s National Championships.

It comes in a year where Frodin reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open girls' singles - her best result as a junior at a major.

She also made her qualifying debut on the WTA Tour as a wildcard in Miami, and pushed former world number 35 Viktorija Golubic in a three-set loss in her first meeting with a player ranked inside the top-100.

But on Tuesday, she will walk out for the biggest match of her life.

"To be standing here right now and actually getting a chance to play in the main draw, it means everything," said Frodin.

"[Rybakina] is number two for a reason, so I'm expecting a battle. Hopefully, I can bring out my best level against her."

And, while she has never met the Williams sisters, Frodin is hoping that can change this fortnight.

"Hopefully, if I get a chance to hit with them or just meet them, anything, I'll take it," Frodin added.

"That would be incredible. That would be a dream."

Related topics

More on this story