US Open 2026: Thea Frodin follows in Serena Williams' footsteps after playing idol in 'King Richard' film - BBC Sport

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

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Thea Frodin reached the final of the Wimbledon girls' doubles alongside fellow American Julieta Pareja in 2025

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 American 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