Serena Williams WTA US Open 2026

Frodin, from portraying Serena Williams on the big screen to playing in the US Open

Pedro de Pablos - 31 Aug 2026
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Frodin: From portraying Serena Williams on the big screen to playing in the US Open. Source: Getty Images

Every year, incredible stories unfold at the Grand Slams, but that of Thea Frodin at the US Open 2026 is one of the most astonishing in recent times. Five years ago, the young American tennis player played Serena Williams in the famous movie 'King Richard,' with Will Smith as the main star, and on Tuesday she will make her debut in a major against Elena Rybakina thanks to a wildcard she received from the tournament. 

 

 

In 2021, Frodin played the queen of women's tennis during her childhood days, which allowed her to make a name for herself in the industry. However, her leap to ultimate stardom has come in the world of tennis, where up until 2026 she had only played ITF level tournaments and junior Grand Slams. However, at this year's WTA Miami, she already received a wildcard to play in the qualifying rounds, where she managed to win a set against Viktorija Golubic (currently ranked number 55 in the world), which allowed her to receive another wildcard for the main draw of the US Open, where she will precisely share the stage with Serena and Venus Williams.

All the pressure on Rybakina

Currently, Frodin is ranked 580 in the world, and at 17 years old she will jump in to play against Elena Rybakina with nothing to lose. In fact, it is the world number 2 who will have all the pressure on her shoulders, as she is close to the number 1 spot on the WTA ranking currently held by Aryna Sabalenka, and she also arrives somewhat fragile after withdrawing from WTA Cincinnati a few days ago. 

It is true that Thea is not used to the big stages and this match will likely be played on one of the main courts due to the importance and renown of her opponent, but it will also serve the young American tennis player as a learning experience for the future. The crowd will be on her side and perhaps they will remember in a few years that they witnessed the first glimpses of one of the great diamonds in the rough of American tennis.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Frodin, de interpretar a Serena Williams en la gran pantalla a jugar el US Open