Meet the American teenager who went from Hollywood stunt double to Grand Slam debut in just five years.
A Fairytale Come True at the US Open
At just 17 years old, Thea Frodin is living a dream that seems scripted for a movie—fitting, given she once starred in one. The Los Angeles native is set to make her Grand Slam main-draw debut at the 2026 US Open, facing No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina. Her journey to this moment is one of the most remarkable stories in tennis, involving Hollywood, a unique family background, and a rapid rise through the junior ranks.
Her story is one of early exposure to greatness, a multicultural upbringing, and a career trajectory that has captivated the tennis world.
Thea Frodin is a 17-year-old American tennis player who earned a wild card into the 2026 US Open by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships. She is also known for being Serena Williams’ tennis body double in the 2021 film “King Richard,” where she worked alongside Will Smith. Her father is Swedish, and her mother is French-born and raised in Gabon, giving her dual U.S.-Swedish citizenship.
Who Are Thea Frodin’s Parents?
Thea Frodin comes from a multicultural family that has been deeply supportive of her tennis career. Her father, Mathias, is of Swedish origin. Her mother was born in France and raised in Gabon. This diverse background gives Thea dual citizenship with the United States and Sweden.
Family Background:
-
Father: Mathias (Swedish origin)
-
Mother: Born in France, raised in Gabon
-
Citizenship: United States and Sweden
Her parents have been instrumental in her development as a player. When Thea worked on “King Richard,” they were initially concerned that she was copying Serena Williams’ style so closely that it was impacting her natural game. She later said it took her a while to get back to her own strokes after the filming ended.
Her Unforgettable “King Richard” Experience
When Thea was just 12 years old, she was cast as the on-court double for actress Demi Singleton, who played young Serena Williams in the 2021 film “King Richard.” The film, which starred Will Smith as Richard Williams, told the story of how Venus and Serena Williams became tennis legends.
The Experience:
-
Cast at age 12 as Serena Williams’ tennis double
-
Worked for six months on the film set
-
Worked alongside Will Smith, who played Richard Williams
-
Filmed tennis scenes that required precise replication of Serena’s style
The experience was transformative but also had an unexpected consequence. After filming, Thea found herself naturally imitating Serena’s playing style—her strokes, her mannerisms, her game. Her coaches had to work with her for months to help her return to her own natural style.
“She had gotten used to Serena’s strokes, and it took her a while to get back to her natural style.”
A Rapid Rise Through the Junior Ranks
Thea began playing tennis at age six and has steadily climbed the ranks. Her 2026 season has been a breakthrough year.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Wimbledon girls’ doubles finalist |
| 2026 | Australian Open junior semifinalist |
| 2026 | USTA Girls’ 18s National Champion (defeated Janae Preston 6-1, 6-0) |
| 2026 | US Open main-draw debut (wild card) |
Key Highlights:
-
Wimbledon Girls’ Doubles Finalist (2025): Reached the final alongside Julieta Pareja
-
Australian Open Junior Semifinalist (2026): Her best Grand Slam junior singles result
-
USTA Girls’ 18s National Champion (2026): Dominated the final 6-1, 6-0 to earn her US Open wild card
Her victory at the USTA Nationals in San Diego was particularly impressive. She defeated Julieta Pareja in the semifinals before dominating Janae Preston in the final.
Her Unique Playing Style and Physicality
At 6 feet tall (1.83 meters), Thea has the physical presence to match an aggressive style of play. The US Open describes her as “an aggressive and crafty player who is continuing to expand her game while establishing her own identity on court.”
Physical Profile:
-
Height: 6’0″ (1.83m)
-
Age: 17 (born December 17, 2008)
-
Playing Style: Aggressive, crafty, with developing all-court game
Rankings and Prize Money
Thea has made remarkable progress in the WTA rankings over the past year.
| Ranking/Finances | Details |
|---|---|
| Current WTA Ranking | No. 585 (as of August 31, 2026) |
| Year Start Ranking | No. 1,024 |
| Career Prize Money | $16,917 (before US Open) |
| US Open First-Round Prize | $140,000 (guaranteed) |
Her ranking has improved dramatically in 2026, moving from outside the Top 1,000 to No. 585 in just eight months. Her US Open debut represents a significant financial milestone, guaranteeing her a $140,000 payday even before she steps on court.
Coaching and Development
Thea has been coached by Dan Slapnik Trost and Erik Kortland, both of whom have played key roles in her development. Kortland worked with her through her junior career and her time on “King Richard,” while Trost helped prepare her for the Lexington Open.
She has trained extensively in Southern California and more recently in Nashville to develop her tennis skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Thea Frodin’s father?
Her father is Mathias Frodin, who is of Swedish origin.
Is Thea Frodin related to Serena Williams?
No, she is not related to Serena Williams. She served as Serena’s tennis body double in the film “King Richard.”
How old is Thea Frodin?
She is 17 years old, born on December 17, 2008.
How tall is Thea Frodin?
She is 6 feet tall (1.83 meters).
What is Thea Frodin’s current ranking?
She is ranked No. 585 in the WTA singles rankings as of August 31, 2026.
What is Thea Frodin’s connection to “King Richard”?
She was the tennis body double for young Serena Williams in the 2021 film “King Richard,” working on set for six months and appearing alongside Will Smith.
What’s Next for Thea Frodin?
Thea’s US Open debut against Elena Rybakina is the biggest match of her young career. A win would be a massive upset and would give her another $135,000 in prize money.
Win or lose, Thea’s trajectory is clear: she is a rising star in American tennis with a unique backstory that sets her apart. Her combination of physicality, skill, and experience on the biggest stages—both in Hollywood and on the tennis court—suggests she could become a mainstay of the WTA tour.
Her journey from a 12-year-old mimicking Serena’s strokes on a film set to standing on the same courts as Serena at the US Open is a story of determination, talent, and the belief that dreams can come true.