Thea Frodin: A Rising Talent at the U.S. Open
Thea Frodin, a 17-year-old tennis player from Los Angeles, is set to compete in her first singles match at the U.S. Open. She faces Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 player in women’s tennis. Frodin’s playing style has been compared to Serena Williams, a connection she embraced during her role as a body double in the 2021 film ‘King Richard.’
Frodin’s journey to the U.S. Open was paved by her success in tournament tennis. She claimed victory at the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships, earning her a wild card to participate in the prestigious event. Her early tennis achievements led to her audition for the body double role, where she portrayed the young Williams on the court.
“I’ve worked so hard to try and get to this level, and to have an opportunity like this is really special for me,” Frodin shared in a phone interview.
Frodin’s experience on the movie set was a remarkable part of her journey. She spent six months with the cast, including renowned actors and Will Smith. Her role as the body double for Serena Williams inspired her, and she reflected on how this impacted her game.
Will Smith earned an Oscar for his portrayal of Richard Williams, showcasing the significance of the film. Frodin found emulating Serena’s swings to be fairly straightforward, thanks to her familiarity with the champion’s style. However, adopting these techniques began to reshape her own playing habits.
“I got into the habit of playing with her strokes and couldn’t switch back to mine because I was used to hers,” Frodin explained.
This presented a challenge, as her parents noted the difference in her technique. Despite yet to meet Serena or Venus Williams, Frodin looks forward to her first major WTA Tour match. Last year, she played in the U.S. Open doubles and entered the U.S. Open singles with aspirations of growth and success.
With one year left in high school, Frodin is considering her future. While tennis remains her primary focus, she is open to opportunities outside the court, including potential roles in Hollywood.
“My No. 1 focus always has been tennis, but I’ve had this thought in the back of my mind… I loved every second of being in that kind of acting life,” Frodin mentioned.
Balancing her passion for tennis with potential acting endeavors is a prospect she finds appealing, seeing it as an enticing possibility for her future.