From playing Serena Williams on screen to following in her footsteps

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.

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.