US Open Serena's Body Double Tennis

In this photo provided by USTA, Thea Frodin, 17, pumps her fist during a match at the USTA Billie Jean King Girls' 18s National Championships to earn a wild card into the U.S. Open on Aug. 16, 2026, in San Diego.

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Thea Frodin was Serena Williams' body double in 'King Richard.' Now she's playing in the US Open

Thea Frodin was Serena Williams' body double in 'King Richard.' Now she's playing in the US Open

Thea Frodin is playing her first U.S. Open singles match against the No. 2 player in women’s tennis. It’s a big task for the 17-year-old, but Frodin hits the ball like Serena Williams. Well, like Serena Williams in the movies, anyway. In the 2021 film “King Richard,” Frodin was the body double for actor Demi Singleton, who played the younger Williams. Now, Frodin will play tennis on camera as herself on Wednesday when she faces Elena Rybakina. Frodin won the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships to earn a wild card into the field. She was a junior player in California when she was asked to audition for the movie.