Thea Frodin to make US Open main-draw debut after playing young Serena Williams in 'King Richard'

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

"I was honoured. She was one of the players that I looked up to most, just when I was starting to play.

"She's such an inspiration to me."

Now, Frodin will make her main-draw singles debut at her home Grand Slam, where Serena and Venus will this year team up in the doubles.

To make the occasion even more special, she has been drawn against world number two Elena Rybakina, a two-time major winner and the reigning Australian Open champion.

"I'm trying to stay in the moment as much as possible," said Frodin.

"This is a huge opportunity for me to enjoy the moment, have fun and see what I can do.

"The atmosphere, how loud the crowd will be, I feel like I fit well in that environment."

Frodin, who is ranked 580th in the world, worked on set with Hollywood star Smith for a few days a week over a period of six months.

She has fond memories of her experience working with Oscar-winner Smith, who would always remember to bring hot water to shoots to keep Frodin warm during their cold, rainy days filming out on the courts.

During that time, she became so accustomed to playing like 23-time major singles champion Serena that her coaches had to help her rediscover her natural style.

"After I was done shooting, I got used to her strokes," Frodin told the US Open website.

"My coaches were a bit frustrated because I naturally started to hit like her.

"I picked up Serena's backhand, but I tried as much as possible to go back to my strokes."